When you think about it, our lives are all about transitions and change. Sometimes we may feel those times of change coming on, while other times they are upon us unexpectedly, all at once without any warning. Some we are prepared for and others blind side us. They happen to us individually, as a family, community, church or even as a business or organization.
My Old Testament devotional reading has moved into the book of Joshua, who faced a time of transition as did the whole nation. He would be taking the leadership role from Moses who had led them for the past 40 years in the desert. This transition involved himself and the people, not only in policy but in location. They were preparing to move into the promised land, amidst much uncertainty.
Joshua knew that the task would not be easy for himself or this oftentimes stubborn group of people. His instructions for the people was for them to be grounded, rooted during this time of transition in the Word of God itself. If they would do this, this could be a time for growth, but they would need to trust, to follow God through this transition, knowing that their times were in His hands.
Max Lucado writes, "if you want to grow in the Word of God, become a person with a chisel and quarry the Word – look, explore, seek. Let the Word become your Word, and you will grow."
You may be facing a time of transition now. If not, you will face one at some time in the future. When you do, take the opportunity to go to His Word, to stay in His Word and let it be your quide as you go through uncertain times, knowing that "God is with you every step you take". (The Message)
Blessings,
Mike
Joshua 1:6-9The Message (MSG)
1 1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses' assistant:
"Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
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