"For I know the plans.I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
A person resigns a job with no clear alternative. Then just a few days later a friend alerts him of a vacancy in another agency, where upon applying he is immediately taken up. While it is not an everyday common situation for someone who is just out of a job to be offered an even better offer elsewhere, it does happen. One reason could be that the person is so highly skilled and hence the demand. But there is also the fact that the Almighty God is looking out for His own.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” This is what Joshua was told after he took up a commission to succeed Moses. Certainly in the wars that followed Joshua would experience great victories- and because God had gone ahead of him! At one point he took on five kings at ago, and brought all down with less numbers. "The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you" (Joshua 10:8).
This is our joy and comfort that as believers we have the Almighty God who has not just paved the way for us, but goes ahead of us. One could have a complicated situation such as loosing a job without an idea what to happen next. But then the Lord says, "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name" (Isiah 42:3-5).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you all my needs and desires, assured that in all situations you have a good plan for me and have gone ahead of me, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
-
04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
