SEARCHLIGHT
How many people in your life will never fail, forget or forsake you?
SCRIPTURE
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of our life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:5,6a
SPOTLIGHT
You cannot live life without experiencing someone failing you, forgetting you, or forsaking you. People hurt people. In addition, we live in a world filled with wars, economic instability and terrorism. These are the facts, but the question is what will happen to you when these experiences come your way?
Where will you get the strength and courage to face the tough challenges of life? What will happen if you have a financial crisis? How will you end up when someone close forgets about keeping a significant promise? What will be your key to standing against people who try to ruin you? How will you end up when someone close abandons you?
You could look to your inner self for strength and courage. But what guarantees that you will not run out? You could look to family and friends. But what if they are not available at the moment of crisis? You could look to institutions and government. But what if there are thousands of people lining up because they are also are facing a similar crisis?
In today’s Scripture focus, Joshua received a promise that gave him the strength and courage to face anything that life would throw against him. God had named him as Moses’ successor. He had been commissioned to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The opposition was going to be immense. He knew it. It would be impossible for him to not have wondered how he could ever be successful. But God did what He always does. When God gives instruction, He always backs it up with commitment. Just reread the promises God gave Joshua.
Strength and courage are born out of 3 convictions. What God promises Joshua so God will promise you. Here are the 3 convictions you can stand on for life:
- God will never fail me. As a believer, you can count on God never disappointing you, neglecting you or missing an opportunity to bless you. He will never give up on you. God’s power backs everything you do when you choose to glorify Him by doing His will. Yes, you will have to fight battles, but the battle is not yours. It’s God’s. Read 2 Chronicles 29:15. Victory will be yours.
- God will never forget me. As a believer, you can count on God always remembering you. As the thief hung on the cross, Jesus promised He would not forget him but would be with Him in paradise. Sometimes people unintentionally forget someone. God will never accidentally forget who you are or where you are. Read Psalm 139:1-6.
- God will never forsake me. As a believer, you can count on God always being with you. God said, “Never will I leave you or forsake you.” This promise is given in Deuteronomy 31:6 and repeated in Hebrews 13:5b. Both the Old and New Testaments underscore what God will do for you. And do not forget that Jesus Christ said “…And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:20b NIV]
You are NEVER FAILED, NEVER FORGOTTEN AND NEVER FORSAKEN by God! This means that strength and courage are yours for life. At no cost to you. All God desires is for you to love and obey Him.
SOMETHING TO DO
God longs to bless you with strength and courage as you journey through life. He has done it with creatures. A tiny bee can easily scare off a gigantic person. What unexpected courage the bee has! An octopus is strong enough to resist a pull of one hundred times it’s own weight. What unexpected strength the octopus has! How surprised should you be to think that God would not bless you with unbelievable courage and strength when He already gives such gifts to creatures. All God wants is for you to love and obey Him. Then you will personally come to know the God, Who will never fail, forget or forsake you.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord God, I want to thank You for always helping me, remembering me and being with me. Write these promises on my heart. Thank You that inner strength and courage are mine because of Your 3 promises. May they penetrate the depths of my will, spirit, mind and emotions. I will fix my eyes on You, Lord God, and not the problems and opposition. Thank You that my bravery is because of who You are. Help me to not lose sight of You! AMEN