“What should I do? Please help me know what it is I must do. I’m tired at the days end, and I still need you to help me decide. What’s to happen with this situation? Please forgive my impatience, but help me, please help me.” This has been a recent cry in my life. And, I go to the rock of my salvation!
As I perused the scripture, I came upon the book of Joshua. As I start to read, I find the answer to my plea. Joshua was selected by God to take over where Moses left off. At the beginning of the book , the Israelites were encamped on the banks of the Jordan river. They had to cross it to enter the land that had been promised to their ancestors. It was a new generation that would actually walk into the promise God had made years earlier.
Joshua had the qualities to lead this nation. He was chosen by God to do so. He was one of two eyewitnesses to the Egyptian plagues and the actual exodus from Egypt. He had been Moses’ personal aide for 40 years, and he was one of the two spies that came back totally confident and convinced that they could conquer the land. He had experience and he had trust and faith in God.
The book teaches the importance having constant and courageous faith to live the Christian life. In the initial chapter God tells Joshua, ” No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live.” Think about the significance of that promise from God Almighty!
And God continued, “For I will be with you…I will not fail you nor abandon you.” Here was another promise that God made to him. This encourages my heart, every time I read it. God will not fail us, nor abandon us; he won’t do that! He added what I consider the “Be” instructions:
Be strong and courageous
Be careful to obey the instructions
Be sure not to deviate from them
Be sure to study the Book of Instruction, continually
Be sure to meditate on it day and night
Be not afraid or discouraged
As I read this first chapter, it was the Lord speaking to my heart and telling me what to do; to get the answer to my plea. I’ve got to remember the promises of God and comply with his “Be” instructions. “I will not fail you…”God said!
ritasalomon 