We’ve all seen it happen in sports: a team is down, the clock is ticking, and the starters are exhausted. But then, the coach turns to the bench. Someone who has been waiting in the wings steps onto the court, bringing fresh energy and a spark of courage, and turns the entire game around. They didn’t let fear keep them on the bench—they stepped into the battle.

For forty years, a man named Joshua was the ultimate assistant. He stood in the shadow of Moses—arguably the greatest leader Israel had ever known. Joshua watched Moses part the Red Sea and face down Pharaoh. Honestly, Joshua was probably pretty comfortable being the backup guy.

But then, the season changed.

God essentially walked up to Joshua and said, “The bench-warming season is over. Moses is gone. Get on the field.” God handed him a massive, terrifying opportunity to lead millions of people into the Promised Land. Joshua couldn’t coast on Moses’ faith anymore. He had to step up.

Right now, you are in a specific season of life. And if you are a teenager following Christ, the message for you is exactly the same: It is time to get off the bench and seize the opportunity the Lord Jesus has given you right now. Seizing the opportunity doesn’t happen by accident. By looking at Joshua’s story, we can see that getting off the bench requires three specific things from us:

1. Walking Obediently

“Moses my servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.” > — Joshua 1:2

The Lord told Joshua it was his time to lead, and God could trust Joshua because of his history of obedience. Years earlier, Joshua and Caleb were among the twelve spies sent to scout out the Promised Land. When they returned, ten of the spies gave a report filled with fear:

• “Indeed it is flowing with milk and honey…”
• “However, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified.”

They allowed a “however” to stop them. How often do we do the same thing? We know we should be on mission, however…

• …I am afraid of what my peers will say.
• …I am afraid no one will be interested in the Bible Club.
• …I am afraid because I don’t know everything.

When we let a spirit of fear run our lives, we focus entirely on ourselves rather than the mission at hand. But God is bigger than your fears! Think about David facing Goliath: David wasn’t the underdog—Goliath was, because David had God on his side.

Joshua and Caleb knew this. They tore their clothes and told the fearful crowd, “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land… Only don’t rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us.”

God has given you the space you reside in today. You have a responsibility to Christ, your school, your community, and your family to lead just as Christ led. Don’t waste the time given to you—our days are brief. Don’t let a “however” keep you on the bench.

2. Living Faithfully

“I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.” > — Joshua 1:3

Faithful living is formed when you actually practice what you believe. Joshua had to have faith, but he also had to act on that faith, trusting that the Lord would do exactly what He said He would.

There is a massive difference between a fantasized wish and living faithfully. If God promised you something, He isn’t just going to hand it to you on a silver platter. You have to actually walk out your faith, fully believing He will keep His promise.

Every student missionary who has ever started a campus club or shared their faith in a hard environment has had to take that first, awkward step of faith. God gives the ground, but you have to step your feet onto it.

3. Fighting Courageously

“No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you.” > — Joshua 1:5

Before we fight, we have to suit up for battle properly by putting on the full armor of God. But what does it look like to fight a spiritual war day-to-day? It looks like:

• Praying
• Fasting
• Proclaiming
• Loving

Just as God promised Joshua that He would always be with him, Jesus promised us the exact same thing in the Great Commission: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” You are never fighting alone.

The Call to Action: No Neutrality

When the Lord says something more than once, we should probably pay attention. In the first chapter of Joshua alone, God repeats Himself like a broken record:

• “Be strong and courageous…” (v. 6)
• “Above all, be strong and very courageous…” (v. 7)
• “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged…” (v. 9)

Whether we like it or not, we are in a spiritual war. And whether you decide to get off the bench or stay on it, the war is still taking place.

In this life, there is no neutrality. You are either for Christ, or you are not.

Like salt and light, we have a single mission: to carry the Good News to the lost and the broken. There is a fire meant to burn in our bones—a praise we shouldn’t be able to hold in.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to stay comfortable in the dugout, or are you ready to step onto the field and see what God can do through you?

The bench-warming season is over. It’s time to go.

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