“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, NIV
Jesus, in Joshua 1, Moses had died, and it was time for Joshua to step into the leadership role and take the Israelites into the Promised Land. What God had in store for him was undoubtedly scary. He had defeated opponents on the way, but the obstacles and responsibilities before him were far bigger and more intimidating than anything he’d ever faced. Into his situation, God was saying, “I’ve already equipped and empowered you for every battle. This is your time. Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”
To take new ground in your life, you can’t stay in your comfort zone. What God has in store for you will frighten you at times, but that’s okay; fear comes to us all. The key is to step forward in spite of what you feel and what your mind is telling you. You’ve been equipped for every battle. God is setting you up to go to a new level. In those scary places, you’ll discover strength, talent, determination, and perseverance you didn’t know you had.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You bring challenges and obstacles across my path so big that only You can make it happen. Help me to be bold, to dare to believe, to dare to take some new steps of faith and leave the familiar behind. I trust that You will go before me and take me to the next level. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”