Seasons Of Change
7 “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:7-8 NKJV
As we move from one season of life to another, that change always brings with it uncertainty. If you are facing a new job, a new city, the move from single life to married life, or entering parenthood you are likely experiencing some uncertainty. Change is good but most of us are not comfortable with change. Jesus brings change to us so that we can continue to grow in Him and His plans for us. In Joshua 1 above, God gave strong words to Joshua as He was facing a day of great change.
When God was preparing the people to enter into the Promised Land at last, Joshua had been a faithful lieutenant to Moses for all the years in the wilderness. The people had seen him as the second to Moses, but now God tells Joshua that Moses is dead and he must lead the people into the land He promised to their fathers. What a daunting task for Joshua. Moses had carried the entire burden and now Joshua had to lead all these people into the promises of the Lord. There they stood on the outside of the Promised Land, looking in. 40 years of wandering and now the moment had arrived.
Remember that because of their unbelief and disobedience in the wilderness all the people who had left Egypt with Moses were now dead except Joshua and Caleb. The only thing this generation knew was wilderness and talk of the Promises Land. Imagine their uncertainty as they prepared to enter. Both the Joshua and the people must have had with questions and uncertainty about what they were about to enter into. At that moment we read in the verses above what God told Joshua. What He spoke to Joshua is just as true for you as well as you enter into what Jesus has next for you.
What led them into the Promised Land will also lead you into that day of change. For them, it was the law or the Bible that they had. It is the Word of God that will also lead you as you move with strength into what He has next for you. God told Joshua not to turn to the right or left but only keep a steadfast gaze on the Word. Keep your eyes on His promises and let Him speak to you directly and specifically as you read the Word daily in your season of change. He will show you what you need to know, what you need to do and He will remind you of the good things that lie ahead of you, things He has already prepared for you in the Promised Land that is before you.
J Todd Hostetler