It was his first day on the job. There were big shoes to fill, difficult people to face, and dangerous battles to fight. It was all very overwhelming for Joshua.
Moses was arguably one of the greatest leaders of all time but his time of leading had now passed. God was handing over the reins to Joshua. Those were big shoes to fill.
The people he would lead were the Israelites. Time and time again, the bible calls them sinful, stubborn, and stiff-necked. Those were some difficult people to face.
And then there were the battles. God gave Joshua the task of conquering the inhabitants of the land he promised for his people. There would be casualties as they went up against fierce enemies. There would be deadly battles to fight.
For Joshua, fear was looming, and discouragement was knocking at the door. What was going to give Joshua the strength and courage he needed to fill the shoes, deal with the people, and fight the battles? It was a promise from God. A promise that no matter where he was walking, or with whom he was dealing, or what battles he was fighting, his Savior God was with him. The God who delivers would be equip him to fill the shoes, encourage him to face the people, and strengthen him to fight the battles.
35 centuries ago, God made that promise to Joshua because he needed to hear it. Today God is making that same promise to you for the same reason. You need to hear it. God has promised to be with you wherever you go. The God who fills the universe is with you and equips you to fulfill the tasks in front of you. The God who took on human flesh to live sinlessly in your place is with you and encourages you as you face difficult people in your life. The God who battled to the death on the cross for your soul and proved his victory on Easter morning is with you and strengthens for whatever mental, emotional or spiritual battles you’re fighting.
Like Joshua, you have big shoes to fill, difficult people to face, and dangerous battles to fight. Don’t be afraid, don’t be discouraged. God has made you strong and courageous because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
See previous devotions HERE.
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