"Now therefore, arise, go...to the land which I am giving...For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 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 1:2, 8b-9.
It is easy to rush past this emotional scene. Joshua had known and loved Moses for the biggest part of his life since Scripture tells us that Joshua’s grandfather Elishama was previously chosen to lead alongside Moses. (Numbers 7:48-53). Through the years Joshua was elevated to the role of assistant to Moses. Our morning passage is a beautiful string of encouraging words from God to Joshua as he was grieving the loss of his beloved friend, mentor and leader. What Moses began Joshua was being called to finish. Going to the new land would take grit… courage…obedience…acceptance. Not only was Joshua being called to accept the loss of Moses, but he was being called to ‘arise…go…lead.’ It is no coincidence that the passage only promises the blessing once Joshua take that first step.
So many of us are being asked to do things that we feel may not be the right timing or the right place. Some of us may not feel strong enough…good enough…stable enough to accomplish the things that God has put before us to prosper our lives. Just like with Joshua, God can see the end results and the blessings in the plan that He has designed for us. God was already up ahead and had gone before Joshua. But he faced a big decision at the worst time offered…while he was grieving. I love how God called him to a new way promising prosperity and success, but more than that promising Joshua His presence. I believe that God prompted him to get up and get ready because it would have been easy for Joshua to miss God’s opportunity and blessing. ‘When we allow God to ready our hearts for the unknown, we welcome the blessings of the Promised Land living…When God calls you…He equips you with everything you need to sustain it. But the first thing He will ask you to do is rise.’ Ready – Finding the Courage to Face the Unknown, Heather M Dixon, p. 33.
It takes courage and strength to continue to keep moving in our grief. It takes embracing God’s plan over our plan to see the new way that He is making. It takes prayer…plenty of prayer…to discern how God is leading us for the next season in our lives. If we have a listening ear and a willing heart, God will reveal the new land that is up ahead...but first...we must get up and move.
No comments:
Post a Comment