Arise, go over this Jordan...I will not leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:2,5

John Wesley wrote, “Among the many difficulties of our early ministry, my brother Charles often said, ‘If the Lord would give me wings, I’d fly’. I used to answer, ‘If God bids me fly, I will trust Him for the wings’”.

The year 2020 may be remembered in days to come as one filled with predictions of failing economies, cities being shut off from the rest of our nations, debates over the defunding of law enforcement and government instability, social distancing.....the list is endless. How discouraging and how hopeless mankind is when we abandon the precepts and presence of God in all areas of life!! Many people are in panic mode, afraid to associate with family members, watching store shelves depleted with food essentials. In the midst of all this and more, we believe the very strength of a nation is the family unit; but even that is facing the challenge of being redefined. Places of worship that bring stability in every society have been shut down, attendees being scheduled as to what service they are allowed to attend. The question that pervades all of this worldwide crisis is: How does one navigate through all these challenges.

After the death of Moses, Joshua was thrust into a position of great responsibility — to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. The enormity of the challenge made him tremble with fear. But the Lord gave him an assuring promise: “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then He said, “Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” vs 9. Such assurances were the backing Joshua needed.

What assurances do you need today to give you a confidence, a surety that the Lord is present, that He will never forsake (abandon, leave) you in the midst of all the world-wide confusion?

God is committed to each of us, as we journey in the truth of this passage, as we learn from Scripture what it means to be a child of God... We begin to trust more and more in His ability and our surrender to His Will, a confidence arises within us that we hear and know His voice. We can go forward with a greater authority to carry out our assignment, just as Joshua and the Israelites had been commanded to do. The entire assembly of sojourners, who were about to embark on a God revealed - God committed challenge, had to change their confession and posture. The Lord is saying “Arise, come up higher, I have things I want to reveal to you that you have not yet been able to comprehend”. I believe the mysteries God is about to be revealed to those who are hungry and thirsty, even in the midst of an apparent & seemingly uncontrollable pandemic. We will be able to see more clearly, understand to a greater depth and experience the strength and peace of God. Fear will have to bow to the authority and position of the blood bought Believer, it’s a new day and a greater expectation should be rising up within each of us.

Just like Joshua in his newly appointed leadership position having much to be fearful of in his own strength, you and I should view today’s events as an indicator of things to come. We will be fearful as well if we try to sort out the world dilemma in our own strength. However, God is going to show Himself powerful to those who lean not on their own understanding, but acknowledge their need to lean on God. This virus is nothing more than a further reminder of the fall of humanity, the power of sin to throw the world into chaos and how the greed of man for power and money had corrupted and affected everything. But remember, as we long for the return of Jesus Christ who will make all things new , you and I as believers in the resurrected Christ are to occupy until that time. For those who have a steady diet of God’s Word will know that times may be troubling, that many unexpected things continue to happen throughout history such as the influenza in the 1900’s – But there is still the opportunity to share the glorious truths of the Gospel. I’m sure Joshua was somewhat overwhelmed but he leaned on what he learned from Moses, stood on the command of God, allowing the confidence He had that God was able – Joshua arose to a new level of authority. He was to take the land that God had previously promised to Abraham. Now Joshua’s job was to take it. Don’t get distracted by the hearsay or those who are against you, those who persecute. Remember the devil came to steal the word, rob our confidence but Jesus came to shower you with abundance – now just arise! Folks, it’s time to arise. We can’t trust and still walk in fear, we are to observe all that as commanded of the believer, to not look to the right or left, God wants to prosper us wherever you go.

Joshua knew God’s Word, he meditated, he talked, and obeyed God’s Word. God was committed to guide His servant, He would provide for all of Joshua’s needs to lead the people into freedom! Romans 8:31 “if God is for me, who can be against me.” Do you know the depth Jesus went to empower you to be a Kingdom expanded?? Jesus took the keys and gave them to the church, that’s you and I! Will You trust God with a greater confidence in the authority He has given you, step out and get ready for your assignment to be realized?? Its not asking for wings to fly – but to believe that if God orders your steps, if He asks you to fly, you can trust Him for the wings!