(This is Part 2 of a 10-part series exploring leadership lessons from the book of Joshua in the Bible. I wrote this with men in mind, but the leadership principles discussed are, of course, transferrable to women, as well.)

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. (Joshua 1:1-2)

It was probably unthinkable to many that Moses wouldn’t be leading them into the Promised Land. He had been their courageous leader, putting up with their constant crap for the past 40 years. God spoke directly to Moses and God spoke to the people through Moses. There had never been anyone like him and there has never been anyone like him since.

However, God in His wisdom decided that a new land required new leadership. Not because the previous regime was bad. Conversely, it would be near impossible to find anyone better. But God wasn’t necessarily looking for better. He was just looking for different. The new land would have new challenges and new opportunities that required new energy and a fresh perspective. Moses was the right leader to get them to the Promised Land, but he wasn’t the right leader to lead them in the Promised Land. The one who got them here wouldn’t be the one to take them there. A change was needed.

The leadership landscape is constantly changing (especially over the last couple years!). Leaders need to continuously adapt and change to keep pace with a rapidly evolving culture. What got us to the “Promised Land” likely won’t help us thrive in the Promised land. The things that have gotten you to this place may also be the very things that are keeping you in this place. You may need to learn a new skill, gain a fresh perspective, or adapt your current products and services if you want to move from the wilderness into the Promised Land.

Don’t get stuck standing at the edge of the Promised Land. Make the shift and take that step into all that God has for you.