Years ago, there was a church that I attended, where the pastor was a gifted speaker. You could tell that he was “called into ministry” by God. After leaving the worship service led by him, I always felt refreshed, rejuvenated, educated, and motivated to proceed onward and do the work of the Lord! This pastor had a wonderful way of mixing humor into his sermons at the right moment and was skillful at clearly articulating his words to get the point across. After the service, I left with the feeling that I had been to the gas station with my gas tank filled up and my windshield cleaned off and ready to face the week with joy and confidence!
“Whatever God leads us to, He will lead us through” is a statement the referenced pastor would commonly make. His point was that as God may lead us on a journey in our life, which may be a tough and challenging time, He will strengthen and equip us and lead us through. As this type of experience occurs, we often do not have a clear image of the dangers and threats we face or the outcome. Sometimes, when proceeding through these kinds of tough and perplexing times where we feel led by God, we will not know the outcome and have to proceed by faith!
In the Bible, as you read through the book of Joshua, you see where God in-charged Joshua to be the leader of the Israelite nation as He was leading them from a desert wasteland into the Promised Land. As you read in Joshua regarding this event (chapters 1-3), you see where God made many promises to Joshua: (summary chapter 1:3-6, NIV): “I will give you every place where you set your foot (vs. 3, NIV); and no one will be able to stand against you in all the days of your life (vs. 4, NIV); I will never leave you nor forsake you (vs. 5, NIV); be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them (vs. 6, NIV).” Based on these scriptural passages, Joshua should proceed with much faith and confidence!
Regarding this specific event, there were several major concerns (Joshua, chapter 3). A vast nation of people had to cross the Jordan River and had no boat or vessel to carry them, and on the other side, there were many adversaries they would have to face. Knowing that God had led the Israelites out of Egypt a generation earlier and sustained them forty years in the wilderness, God would provide a way and ensure they succeeded! The Israelites had to have faith that God would lead them, and they would succeed. As they progressed toward the Jordan River, the Ark of the Covenant (God with them) led the way, at one point was in the midst of them, and as the nation advanced, was behind them to protect them. The Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence, led the Israelites in the direction they needed to go, was with and beside them, and followed them as they crossed the Jordan River.
We see how God led the Israelites from a wilderness wasteland into the Promised Land, which was their reward. As a follower of Jesus Christ, what challenges lie before you? Do you feel you are being led in a direction by God but lack certainty and a clear vision of how it will all work out? Do you sometimes feel like you need to proceed in a direction strengthened by faith in God? Let’s go back to the words the wise pastor stated earlier in this article: “whatever God leads you to, He will lead you through!” As God led the Israelites to the Promised Land, because they were obedient followers, “God led them through” to their reward! Self-reflection question: Is God leading you in a direction you need to go, and do you have faith that He will guide you through? Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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