“WHEN EVERYTHING CHANGES”
(Joshua 1:1 – 4:24)
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV)
All the people of Israel who were alive at this time had only known the leadership of Moses. They had only known the location of the wilderness. They had never experienced Pharoah or Egyptian bondage. They had only known eating manna, and following a cloud or pillar of fire.
And now, everything would be different. Moses was dead. The wilderness is behind them. A new land and new leadership in front of them.
Now, I wasn’t there! But, I know people! And I know that people don’t like change! It’s been said that in church, the only people who like change are babies, and they are changed while kicking and crying!
We need to understand that we will all experience change in our lives. Too often, we want things to remain as they have always been. But, just like the nation of Israel, to be successful, we must move forward in the God-ordained changes in front of us!
Simple Truth:
As Israel is directed by a new leader into a new land, there are three specific things they needed to do to be successful!
1. Be strong and courageous! When things change around you, it’s not time to be weak and full of cowardice. God has promised to never leave you or forsake you. So, be strong and move forward!
2. Be careful to obey God’s Word! The enemy often tempts us to forget what God has told us, and to do whatever seems right in our own eyes. It’s not time to follow the flesh, but to rely on His Word!
3. Don’t be terrified or discouraged! New things and new times can make us overly cautious and fearful. When surrounded by the unfamiliar, it can bring fearful thoughts. But, do not allow yourself to be afraid, but rather to trust in God!
Reflections:
- Are there any “new and different” areas in your life today? How will you decide to move ahead?
- Does God want to do a “new thing” in your life? Will you decide to “stay comfortable” or to launch ahead, trusting Him?
Application:
- God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! Let’s live like it!
- Instead of longing for the thing you once knew, decide to eagerly anticipate what God wants to do!
- “We never did it that way before…” is the enemy of “God is doing a new thing in your midst!”
Closing Prayer:
Lord, today is a new day! It will be filled with new opportunities to do new things! Open my eyes so that I may see the path You have ahead of me, and to hear Your voice direct me as I move forward! In Jesus’ name, amen!
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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