How intimidating it must have been for Joshua to wake up the morning he was to lead Israel into new territory, a land with fortified cities, experienced and superior armies and ‘giants in the land.” It would have been far more comfortable and safer to remain where they were even though it was a desert. Most of us don’t like change, at least change that is uncomfortable and challenging.
As Joshua was faced with an unknown challenge and difficulties, so we too enter a new year with unknown challenges and difficulties. What do we do? How can we prepare? Deuteronomy 7:17-19 You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?” But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. Dt. 4:10
Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” God told Joshua and all Israel to remember His past actions and faithfulness.
God is not asking us to live in the past and ignore the present or future. He is telling us to remember how God acted in the past by delivering His people from impossible situations, such as the Exodus, crossing the Red Sea, miracles in the desert, and the list goes on.
I think if we pause now and again and reflect on God’s faithfulness to us, we would be surprised and encouraged. You may come away saying (thinking) God really is faithful, He truly is in control and can be trusted as we wade into unchartered waters. Know that God is already there waiting for us to talk to Him each day and walk in His direction keeping our focus on Him alone. Psalm 91:3, 5, 9-12 Surely, he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence., You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. . . If you say, “The Lord is my refuge, “and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Don’t take your eyes off of Jesus and begin focusing on the storm. This will incite fear and distrust in God and you will sink, as did Peter when he walked on the water. We must keep the light before us as we face the darkness.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today 6, 2:30 Confirmation
Sunday 10, 9:00 Morning worship and Holy Communion. Sermon: Can We Trust the Bible?
Monday 11, 6:30 Council and 5:45 Deacon meeting.
The sermon will no longer be heard on KIOW.
January 10, 9:00 worship service may be viewed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Pilot-Knob-Lutheran-Church-Forest-City-IA-431071033738650/ and our website at: www.pilotknob.org
Offerings/donations can be sent to Angie Lawrence or the donation button on our web page.
