More to the Story - Chapter 7


IT TAKES COURAGE TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

After the death of Moses  . . . the LORD said to Joshua  . . "Moses my servant is dead. Now then . . .  get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land . . . No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.  
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."Joshua 1:1-9(NIV)

REFLECTION
 
Did you notice that God repeated “strong and courageous” three times? Why is that? It is because Joshua was being asked by God to do something very difficult.
 
General MacArthur, commander of the American Forces in the Pacific in WW2, called Joshua the greatest military leader who ever lived.
 
Yet even he, Joshua,  needed encouragement. He needed cheered on. He had fear. He needed to know that the Lord was with Him.
 
Jesus’ last words for us are encouraging. “I will be with you always”. 

The only thing more dangerous than following God’s call is not following it. The former usually looks frightening. The latter looks safer and easier. Do you remember the previous generation who died going in circles? They were safe but they died going in circles. What is God calling you to? 

Prayer

“Lord, I have fears that prevent me from following you into the “promised land”. Thank you for reminding me that when I go, you are with me. With you help, Lord, I will go. Amen”

You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl