big chicken

I've been reading through the book of Joshua in the old testament of the bible. Joshua was the second leader of the Israelites after being the spokesman for Moses for over 40 years. Joshua was the mouthpiece when Moses confronted Pharo about letting the Israelites go. He was there during the plagues, he was there when they crossed over dry ground in the midst of the Red Sea. He was there to witness God leading them as a pillar of fire at night and a cloud of smoke during the day. He was there as God miraculously provided food and water every day for a multitude of people decade after decade. The jaw dropping amazing things Joshua saw while wondering the wilderness with Moses for all those years would have been enough to make the staunchest of atheists believe.

So why is it that when Joshua took the helm as leader of the Israelites God had to tell him "be strong and courageous"? Do you think it might just have been some sort of ceremonial pep talk God gave him as part of receiving the mantle? After all, they had just spent 40 years wondering back and forth through the desert living on the promise of entering the promised land. It would seem to me that actually surviving that long in an uninhabitable place would have molded and shaped them into super warriors. I'm sure their very souls ached to leave the desert and enter a land flowing with abundant natural resources. I would think the last thing they needed was encouragement to leave the wilderness behind.

Apparently, Joshua had grown accustomed to desert life and was afraid of the change that was about to take place. He lived comfortably in the groove that had been etched and the new challenge was more than he really wanted to deal with, which is probably why God told him not once, not twice but three times to be strong and courageous. God definitely wanted him to move out of the status quo and advance into new territory. God also knew Joshua was afraid because there were going to be many battles against great armies.

It's easy to sit in my living room  drinking coffee and reading about the adventures of Joshua, wondering how in the world he could ever doubt God. But, the truth is, I'm no different, I doubt God all the time. Even though I can tell you story after story of the amazing victories and provisions that God has given us, I still manage to allow fear to creep into my mind and my heart and doubt that God will help me get through the battles of today. Despite my fears and doubts, God always shows up, he is always faithful, he always provides. Sometimes he gives me an indication of how he is going to take care of us, sometimes it's a total surprise. Never the less, he always shows up.

What about you? What is God encouraging you to trust him with? Well, all I can say is, be strong and courageous!