"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Before Moses died he chose Joshua to take his place, and to lead the Israelites into the promised land. Joshua had a history of faithfully following and serving God, and that never changed. I find so much encouragement in reading the story of Joshua, and how God fought the battles for Joshua and the Israelites. God already had the victory in His plan, and His direction to Joshua was to be "strong and courageous."
Through each battle Joshua faced, God was with him. He directed him and guided him. For Joshua's part, he sought the Lord's counsel and did just as he was told. Never wavering in his devotion.
Joshua is such a great example for us today. Though centuries have passed since Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and other battles to safely bring his people to the land the Lord promised them, our God is still the same. He is 'El Shaddai -- Almighty God! And He's still winning battles today.
Knowing this. . .that God has already won the battles we are facing, or may face, and that He will never leave us, not even for a moment, we like Joshua can face the enemy with strength and courage. It's a choice we make, just as Joshua did.
Today's music video You've Already Won by Shane and Shane repeats the message of today's devotional. I hope it will encourage you.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
One more thing before I sign off. . .please join me in praying for Israel. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! 'May they be secure who love You!'" (Psalm 122:6)
Such an appropriate post for this morning. My heart breaks for the people of Israel. I am definitely keeping them in my prayers. May God bless your day my friend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
It's so nice to see a devotion from you Nancy! I hope you enjoyed your time.... thinking it was perhaps the visit from a friend that you talked about. You're so right, Joshua's obedience is an encouragement, and shows us that when we trust the Lord, He is going to see us through our trials. We are all going to face things that seem impossible to deal with, and it's easy to try to fix things on our own. That approach never has worked for me! Of course, we have to do our part, and sometimes have to act fast. I think if we follow God's principles, He will help us make good decisions and help us through any mistakes. We sure know that the trials are going to come!
ReplyDeleteJoining you in prayer for Israel. Thank you, Nancy, for your encouraging posts.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for Israel too. It's just horrible.. and I think how horrific it would be to have our own country bombed like that and so many killed. It's just unspeakable what those men will do to gain power... I wish God was in THEIR hearts. xoxo Marilyn
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