Endings and Beginnings - Joshua

"After the death of Moses, the LORD's servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant. He said, 'Moses My servant is dead. Therefore the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given  you--from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you'." (Joshua 1:1-5)

Dear Friend,

"The end"

Endings can leave us unsettled, if we look only at the ending.

But, every ending leads to a beginning.

God called Joshua to lead the Israelites as they ended their 40 years in the desert, and as they began their new life in the land of promise. And with His call, God gave His promise: "I will be with you". Isn't it amazing how many times we see God give this promise? It shows us His character. He is faithful. He is present. He is involved in our lives.

"Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with  you wherever you go'." (Joshua 1:6-9)

God reminded Joshua to "be strong and courageous". Endings-beginnings can be frightening. The unknown is frightening. How could Joshua be strong and courageous? He had God's promise to be with him.

When God calls us to new paths, 

He goes with us. 

He equips us.

God also reminded Joshua to study, remember and apply the Word. Joshua would find success only as he meditated on and followed the Word of God. There is no other way to walk with God. If He calls us to do something and we try it in our own way, we will not prosper. We must rely on the Lord and His Word.

We must be faithful to know God's Word and to live by it. 

"Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing. Three days later the Israelite officers went through the camp, giving these instructions to the people: 'When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you'." (Joshua 3:1-4a)

When something ends, we leave what is familiar, and thus comfortable, and we begin anew. The new may hold the promise of great joy or prosperity, but it can still make us nervous. What is ending, even if not perfect, is known. The beginning is unknown.

• It is natural to be nervous.
• It is natural to have questions.
• It is our privilege to have God's presence with us as we transition from an ending to a beginning.
• It is our call to cling to God and His Word as we face an ending and embrace a beginning.
• We do not go alone.

Friend, today we celebrate and ending and a beginning. I am excited to see where and how the Lord leads. Be strong and courageous!

Heavenly Father, We thank You for going with us, for leading us, as we face endings and beginnings! Will You help us to know Your presence and Your peace for each new adventure? Will You bring us opportunities to introduce others to the hope that we have in You?