[ORIGINALLY WRITTEN OCTOBER 23, 2009]
Consider
Joshua, trained forty years by Moses, that great man who had led the
host of Israel through the wilderness, had performed signs and wonders
among them, and had spoken to God face to face. This mighty leader now
dead, Joshua must lay aside his grief and face alone the impossible task
of gaining the promised land and dividing it among the children of
Israel.
“The Lord spake unto Joshua… Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise…. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:1-6).
How
I miss my daily talks with Daddy! Where can I find someone so wise in
his response, so loving and gentle in his rebuke, so interested in my
smallest concerns? Who will give heed to my often incoherent ramblings?
To whom shall I glowingly recount the events of the day and my wild new
theories? Who shall guide my frequent misconceptions of people, events,
and ideas (I am so easily deceived) to truth? Who, oh, who?
These words that God spoke to Joshua have so recently brought great comfort to me. Yes, my father, to whom I have looked all my life for guidance, protection, and provision, is dead, but though his mission on earth is finished, mine is only getting started. And what promises have I to claim! I can arise from my grief with strength and courage, for no man shall be able to stand against me. As God directed my father, so He will direct the children who have no father to look to.
I am undeniably, indescribably, undeservably blessed of God to have five amazing brothers, the sweetest sister ever, a strong, faithful mother, and a most gracious Heavenly Father who has placed in my path loving family and friends for such a time as this! How precious is the Body of Christ!
The Lord goes on to say to tell Joshua:
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:7-9).
In
order for Joshua to be prosperous and successful, what must guide his
choices? What must he be careful to observe? What must not depart from
his mouth? On what must he meditate? Even without Daddy, we are not left
without guidance. May we daily grow in the knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ!
