READ DEUTERONOMY 31
GO DEEPER
Today we learned about the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. God provided encouragement to both the Israelites and Joshua in verse 6 through Moses' words, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Deuteronomy 31:6).
In this passage, the Lord reassures His followers that He will lead them ahead, never abandoning them, as they get ready for a new leader to guide them through upcoming challenges and toward the land promised to them. We know that our Lord is a promise keeper. "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations." (Psalm 145:13).
Frequently, we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of this world, leading us to react with fear and anxiety. It appears that the forces of darkness are causing chaos and destruction everywhere we look. Nevertheless, as followers of faith, we can view our fears and vulnerabilities as an opportunity to rely on the Lord. We can see it as an opening to distance ourselves from the negativity in society and refocus on the teachings of God and His unwavering loyalty.
Consider the instance in the New Testament where Peter walks on water; it is a remarkable demonstration. Jesus encourages Peter to be brave and focus on Him, even as Peter is walking on water amidst a storm. Jesus only calms the wind after assisting Peter back into the boat. Therefore, even though Peter was afraid during the storm and allowed worldly concerns to affect him, Jesus was aware all along that Peter would be safe in the boat soon.
Similarly, God was aware that the Israelites would stray from His instructions and succumb to corruption, despite Him granting them the Promised Land. Verses 28-30 depict the song God directed Moses to compose as a reminder of their inclinations toward sin. Nevertheless, God remained loyal to the Israelites, and He remains steadfastly by our side, even when He anticipates that we may lose focus on Him and falter repeatedly.
No matter if you are facing challenges in life or encountering difficulties, always keep in mind that God remains loyal to you. He is aware of your situation and the obstacles you are confronting. He is already aware of the outcome and always has your well-being at heart. Even if you stumble and feel overwhelmed by the world, God is there to offer His support. Embrace reliance on the Lord and hold onto His assurances; He will always be by your side and will never abandon you.
QUESTIONS
1. In this current season, where is God urging you to show strength and courage?
2. Do you doubt God's promises and His concern for your welfare?
3. How is God encouraging you to rely on Him more during this time?