Thursday, March 26, 2026

           The Bible teaches us that Joshua was Moses’ successor as the leader of Israel.  Joshua took the mantle of authority from Moses to lead Israel into the Promised Land.  God made it clear that He would be “with Joshua.”  We read in Joshua 1:5, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  This promise from God had to be a comfort to this new leader with responsibilities for an entire nation and a campaign to take the land that God had chosen for Israel to settle.  Joshua would never face any foe without the assurance of God’s presence and power.  The only exception would be when Israel disobeyed God or tried to do things its own way. 
            A little later in Joshua 6:27 we read, “So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.”  Again, the presence and favor of the Lord rested upon Joshua.  Joshua’s fame spread because of the Lord’s power and presence.  God elevated the stature of Joshua so others would know the Lord’s favor rested upon this man.  The presence of God with us today is an incredible promise and blessing that we dare not take for granted or overlook.  Jesus reminded His disciples (and us) that He would remain with us always—even to the end of the age (see Matthew 28:20).  God’s presence with us means at least four good things as we live each day.
            First, we realize we are not alone.  God abides with us.  He knows us.  He knows our thoughts, feelings, fears and frustrations.  We do not carry the weight and burdens of life by ourselves.  His presence sustains us—just as He sustained Joshua during the days of conquest and settling new land.  When God draws us or leads us to serve Him, we can be comforted by his promise not to abandon or forsake us.  Psalm 23 reminds us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord remains with us and sustains us.  In a difficult moment during any day, we can pause to remind ourselves that God is with us.
            Second, we have what we need.  God reminded Paul that His grace would be sufficient for everything that Paul faced or feared.  As you read these words, you can likely look around and see evidence of God providing for your needs.  You have food and shelter. You have friends and family.  You have His Word to read and remember.  You have forgiveness and new life in Christ if you have surrendered yourself to Him.  When Israel wandered in the wilderness (because of its disobedience), God provided manna for Israel. God does not leave His people stranded and adrift.  He meets our needs.
            Third, God will fulfill His plans for us.  God can get us to the finish line of life.  God will help us grow into His ways and will.  God famously said to Jeremiah, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).  God has neither created nor saved us to leave us roaming through life aimlessly and without purpose.  He has made us to serve Him and to declare His greatness and glory.  If we are willing to submit to Him, He will accomplish the plans He has for us.
            And fourth, God uses us to declare His saving power and glory to others.  We can be witnesses for Christ each day.  We can boldly share with others what He has done for us. We can speak about Jesus and His power to forgive and turn old lives into new ones. When we remember that God is with us, we can be strong in speaking for Him and standing for Him each day.  God gave Paul the words to speak in Acts.  God can give us words to speak that make a difference in the lives of others if we trust Him enough to be His voices.  We can influence others by speaking about how God has provided for us and changed us by His loving grace and power.  The early chapters of Joshua stand as a compelling testimony of what God was able to do through one man completely devoted to Him.  Imagine what God could do through you or me when we desire His glory more than our own.  Remember to trust the presence of God each day!  Have a great Thursday!