Rushing Rivers & Big-Time Giants!

The book of Joshua begins at a time of tumultuous changes for Joshua, the assumed author of that book. His long-time friend and mentor, Moses has just died. His people, the Israelites, having traveled the wilderness for 40 years, are now on the "outskirts" of Canaan, just one rushing river and a few battles with some "big-time giants" away from laying claim to the promise God gave their forefathers many years before. And, in the opening verses of the book, God reminds Joshua that HE is the one who is going to lead the people across the Jordan to claim that promise. WHOA! All the hopes and dreams handed down for hundreds of years are now resting on the shoulders of this man! How's he supposed to handle that kind of pressure??? But wait, before we go there...

How are things in your life right now? Are you in the middle of things as usual or have you reached a time of "rushing rivers and big-time giants"? (I know I have!) Well, thankfully, there is great news for all of us who find ourselves in unsettled, tumultuous times! In Joshua 1:6a & 7-9 God speaks not only to Joshua, but to everyone who has ever been overwhelmed by life's circumstances. "Be strong (confident) and of good courage." "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses, My servant, commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

THERE IT IS! The answer for Joshua, and for all of us facing challenges today!!

(1) Stay strong and courageous (He refers to staying strong and courageous/not afraid four times in that short passage...hmmm...must must be really important, huh?)

(2) Stay in the Word of God. Meditate on it day and night that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it...

(3)Remember God is with you wherever you go!

The keys to victory! They worked for Joshua's "rushing river and big-time giants", and I am confident they will work for all the challenges before us today!