In Joshua 1 God’s people were in the process of walking into their promise and then suddenly change happened.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 ESV
I believe God has promises for me, I couldn’t 100% tell you what they are, all I know is that this year feels like a year of change and I am uncomfortable to say the least.
Joshua had just lost his friend, mentor, and leader, Moses, and was now leading a group of people who had historically proven themselves to be prone to grumbling and disobedience.
I would wager that in this season of change and disruption, the Israelites were scared, and I can’t say I blame them. Crossing the Jordan meant that they would be facing battle, and even after the battle was over they would be facing major change, transitioning from a community that dwelt in tents, constantly on the move, into a people who would stay in one place, building and living in permanent homes.
The change that was coming was good, they were moving into the promised land. But even good change can be jarring. I can’t speak for everyone but in my experience, many people will persist with an uncomfortable known, rather than step into any kind of unknown. I am one of those people.
As God challenges me to take steps in a new direction I am petrified of making a misstep, scared of choosing wrong, worried about how my poor choice might impact others, but this morning God said to me, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I can’t pretend that I am suddenly completely calm, but there is peace in the reminder that God is with me wherever I go.
If you find yourself entering into a time of transition, a time of change and are nervous, I see you, and I want to say that God is with you no matter where you go. You may not feel it at the moment, but be strong and courageous, know that you aren’t facing any of these new things alone, and even if by chance you make a misstep, or completely lose your footing, you won’t find yourself abandoned, God will still be there, ready to gather you up and walk with you into your promise.
Karla