As Commanded!

As Commanded!

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 1:9 KJV

Context and Charge:

Joshua had seen Moses walk with God for a number of years. He had also seen God punish the people of Israel for their sin, and they had wandered in the desert for 40 years. God had also told Moses to hand over to Joshua, who would now lead Israel to the promised land. Picture the big shoes that Joshua was now required to fill. Imagine the mistakes that Joshua had to be careful to avoid, so as not to face the same punishment Moses and Israel faced. It is important that I take the lessons from the people of the Bible, and ensure that I am who God wants me to be, do what He wants me to do and be where He wants me to be. The price of disobedience or rebellion is very high. God does not brook rebellion and He will not condone sin. He will provide all I need for life but my life must be fully submitted to Him. 

I must move only at the command of God. God does not send out a man on assignment and then leave that man without help. This earthly life will be tough, and there are things that will happen that I may never be able to explain. However, like Joshua here, ahead of these challenges, God sends his word ahead, telling me to be strong and of a good courage. If there was no likelihood of trouble, God would not use the words in today's verse. Before fear comes, He anticipates and sends a word of comfort, telling me not to be afraid or dismayed. I am dealing with a God of absolute knowledge and power, who knows the purpose behind what has happened before, who knows what is coming, and is able to guarantee that all things, past, present or future, will all work together for my good. That is power. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

That is the power that is at work in me, and has been made available to me. Obedience and total submission are the keys that unlock the power. God has made a promise that He will be with me wherever I go, and as long as I go where He wants me to, I am safe. Therefore, before I embark on that next journey, or commit to that next project, I had better be sure of who is in command. Like Joshua, I must be sure and certain that my pursuits and priorities have been sanctioned by God. That is the only way success can be guaranteed. Before I set out, the inner man must be fortified with that which God alone supplies. If the One who has conquered sin, death and the devil tells me not to fear, then I really do not have any need to. His Presence is all that I need. God's time of favour is here.