Day 27 - Joshua

Read: Joshua 1:9

Reflect: As you read thru God’s word, one individual that stands out is Moses. He followed God’s directions in leading the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt. Moses truly was a great leader.

But have you ever stopped to think what it was like to follow in his footsteps? Consider this modern day example…..Michael Jordan is regarded by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time. With 6 championship rings, 5 MVP awards and 2 Olympic gold medals, it’s hard to argue against it. But after 15 seasons, Jordan finally retired for good from the NBA in 2003. At one point, the Chicago Bulls brought in a player named Pete Myers to fill the spot left vacant by M.J. Can you imagine the pressure this player felt? He was constantly being compared to Jordan. If Myers missed a game winning shot, the Bulls fans proclaimed that “Michael would never have missed it!” I’m sure that Pete Meyers felt that he was constantly playing in the shadow of the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).

I’m sure Joshua felt this same kind of pressure. Moses had led the children of Israel for ever 40 years. Now it was Joshua’s turn….and I’m sure the people made comparisons. But Joshua was up to the challenge. God told him to be strong and courageous. Most importantly God promised that wherever Joshua would go, that He would be right there with him.

Respond: Maybe you’ve been in a similar situation. Perhaps you have an older sibling who is great in sports. Or maybe a cousin who gets straight A’s at school. Maybe you have felt the pressure from teachers, coaches or family members to perform at a higher level. Maybe these pressures are beginning to steal the joy you should be having in your life.

Well, just remember God’s words to Joshua. Have courage…be strong…and don’t become consumed with fear. God made each one of us for a special purpose in His kingdom. Maybe God is leading you to something you’re not sure you can handle. There is an old saying that goes sometime like this…..”God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He calls.” You may be just the person that God uses for some great purpose. If so, you can go forward boldly knowing that God will go with you.