Moving Forward

These words must have been so comforting to Joshua as the mantle now passed to him, after Moses’ death, to lead the children of Israel forward into the Promised Land.
It is also God’s command and promise to each of us as we move forward in our personal journeying with Him, especially if the road ahead gets difficult, or unexpected storms come across our path. Jesus further instructs and encourages His disciples to ‘abide’ in Him, and if we are where He wants us to be, in His plan and purposes, then we can be reassured and at peace, since nothing takes Him by surprise, as He knows the way ahead, and has the bigger picture. Unexpected circumstances can often test our level of trust and resolve, but our Heavenly Father is always watching over us.

Maybe He is asking you to step out of the boat into a new venture, or new season, and you’re feeling quite nervous. Don’t worry. He’s riding the ocean waves and with your hand in His, He’s there for you as He was for Peter. He wants you to enjoy the journey and not be afraid of it. You are in the safest hands in the universe. He won’t drop you!

Or maybe you have received some disappointing news, from an unexpected source. Remember, He knows the way through the wilderness or through the desert. He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, and He will show you the way forward.

Or He may just be asking you to stand by your post like a soldier on duty at Buckingham Palace, and He wants you to trust Him with the length of service, however short or long that may be. The heat of the day may encroach on the spiritual armour you need to wear (Ephesians 6), but keep all pieces of your armour in place, for it will both protect you and enable you to combat approaching enemy attacks in testing times. Never ever give up.

No matter our circumstances, we are instructed to keep to the narrow way (Matthew 7:14), for it is the way of life. Each of our journeys is unique to each individual, but the presence of our Lord Jesus is with us personally in all of our circumstances, and we have His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In John Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’, ‘Christian’ chose to ascend the hill ‘Difficulty’, though clambering on his hands and knees, for it led to life, while his two companions chose what seemed easier routes, but which ended in catastrophe. Easier options will often present themselves when there is a choice to be made, but the way of the Lord must be the only choice for those who belong to Christ.

Whatever each day brings, know that you can trust Him, for He is trustworthy, and He is ‘with you to deliver you’ (Jeremiah 1:8).

Prayer: Help me to keep my eyes on You, my hand in Yours, and my ears open to Your every whisper, that I might remain in You in all circumstances. Thank You, Lord, for guiding me safely through life’s precarious journey. Amen.