The Deeper Dive: How God Develops Leaders Layer by Layer

What does it take to move two million people across a river and into a new land? That's roughly the population of Nebraska being asked to relocate to Colorado and take over the entire state. It sounds impossible, doesn't it? Yet this is precisely what Joshua was called to do when God asked him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

When we open to Joshua chapter 1, we encounter God speaking these powerful words: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give them." It reads like Joshua was suddenly thrust into this massive leadership role out of nowhere. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Here's a crucial truth we often overlook: spiritual development never happens in a vacuum. When we read inspiring passages in Scripture about God calling someone to a significant task, we tend to focus on that single moment of commissioning. We miss the decades of preparation, the layers of development, the incremental growth that made that person ready for their calling.

Joshua didn't just appear on the scene at age 80, ready to lead a nation. His story reveals something profound about how God works in our lives, slowly, intentionally, layer by layer.

The Bible tells us that Joshua had been Moses' aide "since his youth" (Numbers 11:27). If Joshua was leading Israel into Canaan at age 80, and he started serving Moses in his twenties or thirties, that means he spent at least 50 years in an apprenticeship role. Five decades of watching, learning, following, and being mentored by one of the greatest leaders in biblical history.

But Joshua wasn't just Moses' assistant. Throughout those years, God was building different facets of leadership into his life:

As a Spy: At age 40, Joshua was one of twelve spies sent to scout out the Promised Land. While ten spies returned with fearful reports, only Joshua and Caleb demonstrated courage: "If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land...Only do not rebel against the Lord and do not be afraid" (Numbers 14:8-9). This wasn't reckless bravado. It was courage built on years of seeing God's faithfulness through Moses' leadership.

As a Warrior and General: Moses commanded Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out and fight the Amalekites" (Exodus 17:9). Joshua didn't just fight. He led others into battle and "overcame the Amalekite army with a sword." God was developing his military leadership.

As a Judge: Joshua learned to oversee disputes and make decisions for the people, preparing him for the administrative demands of leading a nation.

As a Spiritual Leader: He accompanied Moses up the mountain of God (Exodus 24:13), witnessing intimate moments of divine encounter that would shape his spiritual foundation.

As a Cartographer: Eventually, Joshua would map out the Promised Land and allocate territories to the tribes of Israel, a massive organizational undertaking requiring wisdom and fairness.

Notice how God works incrementally. In Numbers 27, God tells Moses: "Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him" (v. 20). Not all authority at once, some of it. God knows what He's doing. He doesn't overwhelm us with responsibility before we're ready. He adds layers, building our capacity over time.

By this point, Joshua had developed "the spirit of leadership" (Numbers 27:18). This wasn't something he was born with. It was identified in him after years of faithful service, courageous action, and spiritual growth.

Eventually, Moses summoned Joshua and said to him "in the presence of all Israel" (Deuteronomy 31:7): "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them."

This public commissioning came only after decades of private preparation. The people needed to see the transfer of leadership, but more importantly, Joshua needed those years of development to be ready for what God was calling him to do.

Then we arrive at Joshua 1, where God speaks directly to Joshua: "Be strong and very courageous...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7-9).

These aren't empty words of encouragement. They're the culmination of a lifetime of spiritual development. Joshua had seen God's faithfulness repeatedly. He had grown in courage, wisdom, and leadership capacity over fifty years. Now he was ready.

This raises important questions for each of us: Can you map out the stages through which God has developed you?

Think about the experiences He's brought your way. The mentors He's placed in your life. The challenges that forced you to grow. The opportunities that stretched your faith. The failures that taught you humility. The successes that built your confidence.

God didn't set us on this planet to stagnate. He doesn't save us just so we can cruise through life with everything taken care of while we sip spiritual piña coladas. He has purpose, meaning, and value for every season of our lives.

Perhaps the most pressing question is this: What is your next layer of spiritual development?

For some, it might be joining a small group for deeper community and accountability. For others, it's establishing a consistent Bible reading plan or prayer habit. Maybe it's stepping out of your comfort zone to serve in a new capacity, teaching Sunday school, mentoring a younger believer, or using your gifts in ways you haven't before.

For parents, it might be becoming more intentional about your children's spiritual formation, taking advantage of seasons like Advent to draw them closer to Jesus.

For some, the next step is learning to give generously, recognizing that financial stewardship is actually a spiritual development issue.

And for a select few, God may be calling you into deeper leadership, not because you're seeking it, but because He's been preparing you for it, layer by layer, and the time is approaching.

A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for. Some of us have become content in the harbor when God is calling us out into deeper waters.

As Henry Nouwen wrote: "Let me have the courage to live fully even when it's risky, vibrantly even when it leads to pain, and spontaneously even when it leads to mistakes."

Yes, taking the next step means we might make mistakes. Joshua certainly did along the way. But there's something powerful about having a spirit of openness and availability to what God wants to do in and through your life.

The story of Joshua reminds us that God is not distant or removed. He is close, present, and actively working. He's been developing you through every season of your life, and He has more in store.

What's your next step in the journey?

If this topic stirred something in you, we invite you to watch Pastor Fred's message "Dive In". It expands on how God grows us through intentional steps of faith and how deeper discipleship opens the door to leading and investing in others.