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40 years. That’s how long the Israelites had to wander. They disobeyed God and instead of getting to enter the promised land, they were made to wander the desert. Now, only 2 people remain who saw the plagues in Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. Only 2 were present when Moses came down from Mt Sinai with the 10 commandments. Only 2.
Joshua and Caleb, two men who went with the group to scout out the land God had promised to them. The only two that came back and gave a truthful report. The only two that believed God was powerful enough to provide for them as they forged into battle.
Because of the people’s disobedience, that entire nation, save these two men, died. This was a dark time for the Israelites. Life had been completely disrupted. Because their hearts wandered, so the Lord allowed their feet to follow. But now, they stand on the banks of the Jordan river, and they, for the first time in 40 years, see a glimmer of hope as their new leader, Joshua, prepares to take them home.
“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.” (Joshua 1:1-6)
I love this passage of scripture. The Lord calls out Joshua, and you don’t see Him wasting any time. He doesn’t say, “okay, now let’s talk awhile or let’s train some more”, God said “arise, go over this Jordan”.
Move forward.
How?
Just as He encouraged Joshua, He encourages us today. Whatever lies ahead for you today, a financial burden, a tough decision, a family situation, whatever it is, it’s time to surrender it to the Lord.
The Lord is with us. He will not fail us. He will not forsake us. “Be strong and of good courage”.
Are you ready for better days ahead? Do you want to leave the past behind for a better tomorrow? It starts today and it can only be possible with faith in Jesus Christ. He alone directs our path. He alone prepares our way. He alone protects us and provides for us.
It’s time to move forward. It’s time to arise and go! Will you trust Him?
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