Joshua 1:9 “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’s calling was both dramatic and glorious, but we need to remember that it was preceded by over 40 years of just being Moses’ assistant. There were probably many times when he got tired of that! At the same time, the task ahead of him was huge. God’s admonition to him to be strong and courageous wasn’t just related to the military conflicts they would encounter, it was also related to the daily slog of dealing with this huge crowd of often unruly people. Joshua needed all the strength and courage he could get! At the same time, for Joshua the situation was inescapable. As the Lord said to him plainly in verse 2, “Moses my servant is dead.” That left Joshua, and God wasn’t about to abandon him. The biggest thing on this earth that Joshua had going for him was faith, based on experience. He had seen God act countless times, so he had every reason for assurance, but he was as human as any of us. God was explicit in describing the territory He was giving the descendants of Abraham, and I’m sure there were times when Joshua had to remind himself of this. We too can need encouragement in our calling. The way is seldom smooth and level! However, God will provide confirmation in various ways as we need it. We just need to remember that the necessary strength and wisdom are ultimately with Him. He will give them to us as we need them, but seldom much ahead of time! We are never to feel sufficient in ourselves, but we must always remember that His grace is sufficient for us. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

This is a Word for me! I have been in Omura now for almost a full 45 years, but I feel that God’s calling is only now being manifested. The Lord is bringing more people to the church, and I’m deeply grateful. However, they aren’t the young people I had hoped for! I’m not to decide how things ought to be, but rather let God show me how He has planned things. There are countless complications, health-wise and in other ways, but God’s plan is perfect. As Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) I’m not to be discouraged at the trouble, but rather rejoice that God has already provided a way through it.

Father, thank You for this Word. Thank You for yesterday and all it held. There are various things on the agenda today, but Cathy may need to go into the hospital because of low blood oxygen. I ask for clear guidance in every detail, and peace in the process, so that Your plans may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!