Courage and boldness in the face of obstacles. It's a tall order, but it's today's order. The more difficult the challenges, the greater the need for courage and boldness.
Sounding a bit like the scrolling opening verbiage to the famous Star Wars movies, the setting is a land long ago, and the focus is on a young man facing a monumental task. Perhaps this young man might well be compared to Harry Truman, facing the sudden reality of the empty shoes of his predecessor, President Franklin Roosevelt. Regardless of the comparison, this young man - Joshua - is privileged to have an audience with Creator God at the dawning of a new chapter in his life. The dynamic leader, Moses, is dead, and Joshua finds himself facing an unfinished task and some incredibly large empty shoes. Against this backdrop, he hears these important words from His Creator Father:
"Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:5-9)
"I will be with you". Could any words be more reassuring? And, could any words better serve as a basis for strength and courage? Regardless of the obstacles and challenges, God's presence would be a constant. The task at hand was unswerving obedience to the word and Law of God, and success would follow.
The words, "I will be with you", echo down to us today. Perhaps His presence may not always seem evident, but faith takes Him at His word - "I will be with you". Whether life is lived today on the mountain or in the valley, He is with you. His unseen presence is there, and He knows and understands. Circumstances may not change because He is there, but be assured that He is the God who is in the midst of them, offering you both strength and boldness.
Your Savior echoes these same words: "I am with you always , even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). May these assures be your strength and boldness this day - and always.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Sounding a bit like the scrolling opening verbiage to the famous Star Wars movies, the setting is a land long ago, and the focus is on a young man facing a monumental task. Perhaps this young man might well be compared to Harry Truman, facing the sudden reality of the empty shoes of his predecessor, President Franklin Roosevelt. Regardless of the comparison, this young man - Joshua - is privileged to have an audience with Creator God at the dawning of a new chapter in his life. The dynamic leader, Moses, is dead, and Joshua finds himself facing an unfinished task and some incredibly large empty shoes. Against this backdrop, he hears these important words from His Creator Father:
"Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:5-9)
"I will be with you". Could any words be more reassuring? And, could any words better serve as a basis for strength and courage? Regardless of the obstacles and challenges, God's presence would be a constant. The task at hand was unswerving obedience to the word and Law of God, and success would follow.
The words, "I will be with you", echo down to us today. Perhaps His presence may not always seem evident, but faith takes Him at His word - "I will be with you". Whether life is lived today on the mountain or in the valley, He is with you. His unseen presence is there, and He knows and understands. Circumstances may not change because He is there, but be assured that He is the God who is in the midst of them, offering you both strength and boldness.
Your Savior echoes these same words: "I am with you always , even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). May these assures be your strength and boldness this day - and always.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:25 AM
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