Imagine yourself in Joshua’s shoes. For years, all he has known was wandering in the wilderness, following the great leader, Moses, who had led two million people out of bondage toward God’s promised land. Now, Moses was gone, and it was Joshua’s turn to step up and lead. To use the word daunting would be history’s biggest understatement.
This reminds me so much of the journey that our high school and college seniors are experiencing right now. Standing on the thresh-hold of a new life, they must feel a mixture of dread and awe. The possibilities are truly endless, but because there is so much uncertainty, it has to be more than a little frightening.
So what advice did God have for Joshua as he prepared to cross the Jordan river? Three times in the first 9 verses of the book of Joshua, he repeats the same words. Be strong and courageous. But he couples it with a reassurance. He was there for Moses, he will continue with Joshua. Verse 9 sums it up: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NKJV
Simple advice, guaranteed to serve us well. For the graduates headed on to new adventures, for all of us slowly venturing out into the world while a scary virus still lurks. God has got this, and He has our backs. At the end of verse 5 of this same chapter, He gives his guarantee, “I will not leave nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 NKJV
We don’t know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.
Amen.
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