Here we go!

The time has come! It’s time to enter the Promised Land. All these years of wandering in the desert are over.

Here are the conversations about this (my paraphrase) in Joshua chapter 1.

GOD TO JOSHUA: Moses is dead. Now it is your turn. It’s time for you and all these people to get ready to cross the river and enter into the land I have promised you.

Just as I promised to Moses, I will give you every place where your foot touches the ground. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river Euphrates to the Mediterranean Sea.

For as long as you live, no one will be able to stand against you.

As I was always with Moses, so I will always be with you.

I will never leave you or abandon you.

So be strong and courageous, because you are going to lead these people into a new and exciting place.

Be strong and very courageous.

Take care to obey all my rules that Moses conveyed to you; don’t be distracted or wander off from the right path. If you stick to doing it my way, then you’ll find that you are successful wherever you end up.

Keep reading my Book of the Law and reflect on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be find success and contentment.

And don’t forget this. Haven’t I commanded you to be strong and courageous?

Don’t be afraid; don’t be discouraged, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

JOSHUA TO THE OFFICERS OF THE PEOPLE: Go through the camp and tell everyone to get ready. The time has come. Gather up all your stuff. We’re moving on. In three days time, we will cross the river and enter into the land God has promised us.

JOSHUA TO THE REUBENITES, THE GADITES AND THE HALF-TRIBE OF MANASSEH: I haven’t forgotten what God agreed with you all. Your wives, children and animals can stay here on this side of the river, but all of your fighting men are to cross over with the rest of us. When we have taken possession of the land, you will be allowed to return here to live with your families.

THE PEOPLE TO JOSHUA: Whatever you tell us to do, we will do. Wherever you lead us, we will go. In the same way as we obeyed Moses completely, we will obey you.

May God be with you just like He was with Moses.

It’s the same now as then. Whoever disobeys you and rebels against what you say will face the most severe consequences,

Just remember this: be strong and courageous!

Pretty encouraging words as the people plan to leave their comfort zone and venture into the unknown. So taking this one step further…..

SOME WORDS FOR EACH ONE OF US:  This is it. This is your time.

You may be facing an enormous change or challenge. You may be being challenged to step out of your comfort zone.

Or maybe you are still waiting and preparing.

Either way, today you will face something fresh and new, however small, that you have never encountered in the same way before.

Either way, you need to know this: just as God was always with Moses, so He will always be with you.

He will never leave you or abandon you.

So be strong and courageous, because you are entering into a new and exciting place.

Be strong and very courageous.

If you stick to doing it God’s way (which is the best way to live anyway), then you’ll find that you are contented and living life to the full wherever you end up.

And don’t forget this: find a way to be strong and courageous. That’s an order!

So don’t be afraid; don’t be discouraged, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

AND OUR RESPONSE?: Whatever you tell me to do, I will do.

Wherever you lead me, I will go.

I will trust you and obey you.

And I will find a way to remember this and live it: be strong and courageous!