Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
The Lord offers a word of encouragement in the mist of season the Israelites were now in. The book of Joshua marks the end of the Exodus period. Israel enters the Land under a new generation of leaders, they conquer the hill country, and enter into a great ceremony of covenant renewal at Shechem. God promised as they begin this new journey in a new land in a new way and relationship with God that God would walk beside them in this new transition. The Israelites were starting a new journey of faith with God. Joshua led with strength and clarity for the kingdom’s sake.
Today we are facing a lot transition in the churches we serve and I want to assure you that the Lord’s promise is just as sure for us today as the day He spoke it to Joshua. I take to heart the promise Christ made when He said low “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”. I know that Christ was speaking in another context but it was a promise that you are mine and I am supporting you and will be there for you. This promise helps me to know we are not alone no matter what our circumstance may be.
Be strong and courageous friends, the Lord is with us in the transitions we are in.
