For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23
Is your new year looking like a time of transition for more than just changing calendars? The last couple of months have seen a lot of shaking around me. Not earthquake level, but a shifting in a lot of areas. I have a couple of friends who are in the same boat. God is doing a new thing. So, are we going to look forward to a new adventure, or are we holding on to the old for dear life?
We don’t have to be afraid of transitions when we remember who is in control. God has good plans for us, so we can hope in Him. He has never-ending resources that we can rely up on as we step forward into the unknown. Joshua gives us a good example of how to move forward in hope and with courage.
Purpose and Plan
Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
Joshua 1:2-3
First, we need to know our purpose and make plans accordingly. God had given Joshua and the children of Israel a purpose: take the Promised Land. Of course, this would take plans because they would be attacking some very great enemies, giants even. Yet, they had God on their side. All they had to do was follow his plans one step at a time.
God said his Word was a lamp unto our feet, and a lamp only gives off enough light for the next few steps. We have to trust that He is already moving ahead of us to clear our path or prepare us for what we need to do. All we have to do is follow the next step in the plan.
Resolved and Ready
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Joshua 1:5-6
Joshua had accepted the position of leader from Moses before he died. Now, he had to choose to take the next steps to fulfill God’s purpose for him. The Jordan was the first obstacle between them and the Promised Land. God already had a plan in place, but they had to step out into the water to see it come to fruition.
What step is God asking you to take? Even if you can’t see how it will all work out, you can trust that God already knows what is coming and has already prepared you with all you need.
Confident and Courageous
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua could have the courage to take the next step because he had confidence, not in himself but in God. God had promised him all he would need. He would have:
1. God’s Presence – He had God’s promise that He would be with him in every step
2. God’s Word – He had a God’s Word that God would fulfill the promise of a new land.
3. God’s Character – He had 40 years of experience with God in the wilderness to know that he would always follow through on His promises.
It was time to take the first step into the Jordan. Forty years before another generation had failed to take that step. Joshua had learned from their mistakes, and he was ready to follow God into a new adventure. How about you?
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I’m thankful that when trouble comes, I can trust God to cover me with His love and peace. Have a blessed week! 🙂