Joshua faced huge challenges, when the Lord called him to succeed Moses in leading the Israelites. He had to lead Israel in the conquest and settlement of Canaan and he was also taking the place of a great leader--always a difficult undertaking. God encouraged Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the promised land. "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." Joshua 1:5.
This assurance can help us in new callings or challenges, such as pursuing an education or becoming a parent or accepting a mission call. The Lord helped me especially in my newest calling to teach and learn. I prayed daily last year that He would relieve my suffering and let me die. He did relieve my suffering, but not in the way I imagined. He placed in my path the first key to gaining my health, led me on a journey to gaining more healing information, called me to pursue education in this area, and gave me the inspiration and desire to move forward. A couple years ago as my child-rearing years were coming to a close, He called me to mentor and tutor others educationally. Although I'm just a homemaker, I'm making a little bit of difference in the world one person at a time through callings from God. Strangely, I'm usually the one to be a bit shy and hang back--not courageous or strong at all. I depend on the promise that God will be with me and not fail or forsake me.
The Lord commanded Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. "Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 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 whithersoever 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 1:6–9
The Lord commanded Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. "Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 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 whithersoever 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 1:6–9
Joshua's courage would of course be to fight many military battles. However, he also needed courage to do what was right. As always, God puts things in the scriptures that we need as well as the person being instructed. We face challenges today that require strength and courage to do what is right. We must turn off the message that children are a burden and embrace them as a blessing. We must stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. We must choose the right way and be happy in the face of worldly ridicule.
The Lord shared with Joshua how to “have good success.” The book of the law or the scriptures are the secret to success. Just as for Joshua, regular scripture study is the key for us today. God did not place us on the earth without the instruction manual for how to return to Him. He told us how to get along with others, raise children, keep our bodies healthy, how He wants to be remembered, and most importantly how to live a righteous life. I'm so grateful for the scriptures and God's loving mercy and for thought to provide us with them. I'm grateful He's shown us how to be courageous and strong in the face of opposition and scorn.
The Lord shared with Joshua how to “have good success.” The book of the law or the scriptures are the secret to success. Just as for Joshua, regular scripture study is the key for us today. God did not place us on the earth without the instruction manual for how to return to Him. He told us how to get along with others, raise children, keep our bodies healthy, how He wants to be remembered, and most importantly how to live a righteous life. I'm so grateful for the scriptures and God's loving mercy and for thought to provide us with them. I'm grateful He's shown us how to be courageous and strong in the face of opposition and scorn.
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Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.