October 21, 2024

Joshua 1:1-9  (HCSB)
Encouragement of Joshua
1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: 2 “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. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea. 5 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 forsake you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Rachel Raley
Before this moment Joshua had fought in war, witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, and saw God’s face on Mount Sinai with Moses. What else could scare someone after all that? The next NEW thing that’s what (the upcoming battles and trials probably wasn’t too comforting either). New roles and new beginnings scare us even on a much smaller scale. Joshua was apprehensive enough for God to tell him several times not to be afraid as a new leader.  God’s promise of success and His presence with Joshua outweighed Joshua’s fear. I think that is a great perspective to have when in fear– “What is on the other side of me being brave and obedient?” Earlier this year I gave birth to my baby boy. The thought of childbirth is scary!! But the outcome outweighed the fear. Knowing a sweet baby was on the other side of labor made it worth it, although I am not sure I get too much credit because ready or not a baby was coming–ha! Whatever our new is, we can rest assure following God’s commands with courage will only lead us to an outcome that surpasses any fear we may be tempted with. Situations won’t be absent of blemishes, but we move forward knowing God is with us.