Trust and Obey

     I am reminded of Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, following the death of the
amazing servant leader, Moses. The Israelites must have had some hesitation,
compromised with paralyzing fear and uncertainty about their future.
The Lord calms their fears by reminding them of His promise to Moses, and
that those promises would be the same for Joshua and the people. He assures
them that He will be with them and will never leave or abandon them. The Lord
did not abandon Moses, nor will He abandon Joshua and the people. They are
instructed to be strong and courageous, to follow and observe the instructions
carefully-- allowing them to roll around in their minds night and day. Only then
will you make your way prosperous, and you will have success (Joshua 1:8).

When you allow the Lord to lead you through critical situations, it is then that
you see and experience Him for yourself. He is to be trusted to do what He says
He will do. His promises are awesome and sure. The Lord promises rest to the
people as they occupy the land of their inheritance, following Joshua as they
follow their servant, Moses. The people agreed to do and go, being obedient to
Joshua as they were with Moses (1:16-17). Disobedience to Joshua’s command
was punishable by death (Joshua 1:18).

   The instructions given to Joshua by the Lord may not seem reasonable. Despite
concerns about the tasks, they did not align with the natural order of happenings.
Yet, Joshua and his army marched forward, believed, and followed the Lord’s
plan. Today, we may meet situations with doubt. The path to victory does not
always make sense. His eyes are on the righteous (I Pet. 3:12), and He directs our
paths (Prov. 3:6). Trust the Lord (Prov. 3:5). If you fail to trust the Lord to meet
your every need, then you will be tempted to trust your own understanding.

Prayer: You, Heavenly Father, teaches me to consistently obey Your Word and
follow Your will and Your way. For your way is sure and altogether trustworthy.
You have given my life purpose through Your Holy law: I should seek You first and
trust Your hand in every situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
By Novella D Carpenter