Imagine you’re a youngish leader. You’ve been honored to serve under a leader who many consider to be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). The thing is, his time is up and now it’s your turn. You get to pick up where he left off. You have the responsibility to taking over. The ball is in your court, the mantel is on your shoulders. This is not going to be easy, not by a long shot. The people you are leading have proven to be beyond difficult. As a matter of fact the reason I said you were youngish, is because you’ve been wandering around for the last four decades, waiting for everyone in your generation to die. You’re Joshua and you’re taking over for Moses.
You’ve seen Moses pray for your people, because God himself was so done with their behavior that he was ready to wipe them out and start over. You’ve been by Moses’ side through rebellion after rebellion after rebellion, but it gets worse. Years ago you were sent into the land to spy it out, and you saw what now lies before you, your objective. You are going to lead the next generation of your people, into a battle with people who make NFL lineman look small by comparison. The task before you is monumental. That’s when you hear a voice. Be strong and courageous…
You’ve likely heard some variation on this too. Someone trying to encourage you as you face something you think is bigger than you. Does it ring hollow? I can imagine it might have for Joshua. The task before him is huge, the people behind him have driven the greatest leader of his time (maybe of all time) to his knees. “Be strong and courageous… How can you say that? This is huge…” After all, no one tells you be strong and courageous when you’re headed to something pleasant or fun. No, those words always come before a trial. Ah but I left off half the statement. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That makes all the difference doesn’t it. Suddenly you’re not alone. The creator of the universe is with you. The One who empowered Moses is now empowering you.
Friend it really is that way. Yes what you face might be huge, but take heart and have faith, the Lord your God is with you and what He calls you to, He’ll get you through. Trust Him.
Be strong and courageous.
AMOKArts 