Perfect Planning

"'9 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 1:9 NLT

Joshua had a great challenge--he was to replace Moses when Moses died and finish leading the Israelites into the promise land. What a ominous role that was! He had to accomplish something that a great leader, such as Moses couldn't even do.

It wasn't Moses' fault. It was the fault of the people. The people were ungrateful. They were wishy-washy. They loved God one moment, and then were seen worshiping golden idols the next. And Joshua was there and experienced all of that, first hand.

Now God is telling him not to be worried! Not to be afraid? Not to be discouraged? Truth be known, in the preceding two verses, God tells and encourages him in each verse not to be be those things.

Reflecting on your life, how would you feel? When you feel that the Lord is prompting you into a situation that you feel totally unqualified for, or not ready to face or something totally new, how do you feel? A little nervous. A little on-the-edge. Like wishing you could put your head in the sand like an ostrich and then it would all go away?

What you are feeling is totally normal. But don't give in! As with Joshua, God too is with you. Look at the last sentence. What does it say? "For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." He is with you--you are not doing this alone.

You see, each and every one of you have been created for a special purpose--the Lord's purpose--His perfect plan. And think about if you were too afraid to go through with what His perfect plan for you--how much worse you would feel in your spirit?

What if Joshua said to God, "Sorry, my God of Abraham, but I've seen what these people are made of. I've seen how they treat their leader. If Moses couldn't accomplish Your perfect plan--surely I can't. Thanks, but no thanks." Where would we be now? Probably still wandering.

So please, have an open spirit to your Heavenly Father. When He calls you into His perfect plan, He knows what He is doing. And the wonder of it is that He's not asking you to do it alone--No. He has promised you that He will be with you wherever you are.

"41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 'Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.' 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him." Luke 22:41-43 NLT