Awesome Not Easy
The stories found in the Old Testament fascinate me. The characters are just regular folks that seem to struggle with life just like I do. There is the day to day battle, for what appears to be “just keeping their heads above water”, and their interaction with God. There are kings, warriors, and prophets right along side of farmers, slaves, prostitutes, and wanders - all playing a role in God’s story.
Many of these people are not qualified for the job they are called to do. Often they just seem to be “thrown” into a situation with insurmountable odds. BUT, one thing always remains consistent, God sees their true potential. God sees all the promise and calling that He placed in them. Simply put, God sees what they cannot see!
Joshua is a one of those guys. Think about the situation he finds himself in, take a look at Joshua 1. His boss, the leader of all of Israel, was Moses and he has just died. Joshua is standing beside a massive river looking into what is called the Promise Land. It is now up to, an under qualified, Joshua to lead the Jewish people into this new land. Honestly, just trying to get all the folks to cross the river would be hard enough, but to conquer a new land and follow God every step of the way appears to be impossible.
One thing to understand about walking with Jesus, it is not going to be easy, but it will be awesome! God’s plan is not a bunch of religious ideas and spiritual talk. God’s plan is US and our lives. God’s great love and purposes for each one of us are worked out in the challenges, messes, and storms of daily life. And He chooses to do that with each one of us, just as we are!
Just before Joshua moves into this new leadership role and tackles the mountain that stands in front of him, God tells him a few amazing things. First God says, He will be with him and never leave him - “Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you.” (Joshua 1:5). Secondly, give it everything you have, your heart and soul - “Be strong and courageous.” (v 6-7) Then God says, meditate on My Word (the Bible) all the time - “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it”. (v 8)
The word meditate does not mean, slip on your favorite yoga pants, practice downward dog and take several deep breaths. It actually is referring to slowing speaking God’s word and repeating it over and over - so we will remember it. Think about that! Our minds, full of God’s word, ready to help us whenever we need it. So that impossible task quickly shrinks into the very possible. “Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you!”