Do you remember going to the arcades? You and your friends’ old rendezvous spot, battling for the top spot in one of the popular games. While you guys horsed around, a group of troublemakers bullied their way onto the machines? Your posy band together vowing to have each other’s back. Now days, every man for himself. Someone will call 911 for you, any more than that would be heroic (Romans 5:7). No one takes on any man’s cause anymore. The back-in-the-day phrase was "I got your back."
Well, I assure you God got your back! God told Joshua, “There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you, nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage...” (Joshua 1: 5). In Joshua 1, God’s people encamped outside and around the promised land mourning the death of Moses. Why were they outside the promise land? Like most of us, God’s people disobeyed Him. They were punished to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Forty years! This punishment alone gives insight into our Creator’s thoughts. He is not to be brushed off, ignored or forgotten. His people’s issues date back to unbelief. The good news is the people got themselves together. We do the same, when punished we get it together to end the suffering. God's people repented and returned to Almighty. Of course, they did that over and over throughout the Old Testament, but for this story, they came back and began teaching the next generation to remember and obey God. Joshua walked into his leadership role with God leading the way. I’m sure Joshua felt unsure of his adventure, the people drove him crazy, and his circumstances were tough. But, God assured him that He would not leave him.
What are you struggling with today? Are you dealing with people and circumstances that are uncomfortable?
Jot down Joshua 1:5 down as a reminder of God’s promise to never leave you in the struggle. Post it on your mirror or on whatever is the first thing you see in the morning. Keep in mind that you are more than a conqueror through Him that loves you (Romans 8:37). All things will work together for your good (Romans 8:28). This doesn’t mean that all that happens to you is going to be good, but God is able to turn it around for your long-range good. So, see, God got you, just like he had Joshua! Can you hear Him say, “I got you?!”
Comments
I certainly don't like the things that have happened in my life concerning my health but I've been told many times "it's not about you" and I've had to come to grips with that. I know God is with me! He has never left me! And I am pleased to be able to serve him!
Zuli