Going With God
Going with God: Navigating Life's Transitions
Life is a journey filled with transitions. Some are exciting, while others can be daunting or even heartbreaking. But what if we approached each transition with the assurance that we're not walking alone? What if we truly believed that God is with us every step of the way?
This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the opening chapter of Joshua. As the Israelites stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they face a significant transition. Their beloved leader, Moses, has died, and Joshua is called to lead them forward. In this pivotal moment, God speaks words of encouragement and instruction that resonate with us today.
Facing Transitions with Faith
One of the most challenging transitions we face is the loss of a loved one. Death brings change, often leaving us feeling lost and uncertain. But even in the face of such profound loss, God calls us to action. Just as He told Joshua to "arise," He urges us not to remain idle in our grief. While it's essential to mourn and process our loss, there comes a time when we must move forward, embracing the life and tasks that lie ahead.
This doesn't mean we forget those we've lost or that their impact on our lives diminishes. Instead, it's a reminder that life and ministry continue. We honor their memory by pressing on, carrying forward the work they began or the values they instilled in us.
Places to Possess: Our Sphere of Influence
God promised the Israelites a land to possess, even before they set foot in it. Similarly, each of us has been given a sphere of influence – a "territory" where we can make a difference for God's kingdom. This isn't about physical conquest, but about impacting lives with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
Our "promised land" might be our workplace, our classroom, our neighborhood, or even within our own family. God has strategically placed us in these areas to be His representatives. The question is, how are we "possessing" these places for Christ? Are we actively sharing His love, speaking His truth, and living out our faith in tangible ways?
For a church community, this might mean focusing on impacting the immediate neighborhood surrounding the building. For individuals, it could involve being intentional about building relationships and seeking opportunities to share faith in daily interactions.
The Secret Sauce of Success: God's Word
In a world obsessed with formulas for success, God offers us the ultimate "secret sauce" – His Word. To Joshua, God emphasized the importance of meditating on the law day and night, not turning from it to the right or left. This instruction holds true for us today.
Success in God's eyes isn't about wealth, fame, or worldly achievements. It's about living rightly before Him, aligning our lives with His will and His ways. The key to this kind of success is immersing ourselves in Scripture.
Sadly, biblical illiteracy is on the rise, even among those who identify as Christians. Many homes have multiple Bibles, yet they remain unread. The challenge for us is to make God's Word a daily priority, not just to gain head knowledge, but to allow it to transform our hearts and guide our actions.
Reading Scripture isn't about becoming theological experts; it's about becoming obedient followers of Christ. When we regularly meditate on God's Word – allowing it to sink deep into our hearts and minds – it shapes our worldview and influences our decisions.
The Guarantee of God's Presence
Perhaps the most comforting promise in Joshua 1 is God's assurance of His presence. Multiple times, He tells Joshua, "I will be with you." This promise isn't just for ancient Israel; it's for us today.
When we face transitions, fear often creeps in. The tasks before us may seem overwhelming. But God's promise remains: He is with us wherever we go. This isn't dependent on our level of spirituality or perfection. Even when we stumble or stray, God's presence is available if we turn back to Him.
Knowing God is with us doesn't automatically remove all challenges, but it gives us the courage and strength to face them. We can step into new seasons and take on daunting tasks because we know we're not alone.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on these truths, let's consider how they apply to our lives:
1. Are we facing a transition? How can we "arise" and move forward, even while honoring what (or who) we've left behind?
2. What is our "promised land" – the sphere of influence God has given us? How can we more intentionally impact that area for Christ?
3. How consistent are we in reading and meditating on God's Word? What steps can we take to make it a more integral part of our daily lives?
4. Do we truly believe and live in the reality of God's presence with us? How might our lives look different if we constantly reminded ourselves of this truth?
5. Is there an area where we've strayed from God's path? How can we realign ourselves with His will?
The journey of faith is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we go with God, we can face transitions with courage, impact our world for His kingdom, find true success through obedience to His Word, and rest in the assurance of His constant presence.
May we, like Joshua, be strong and courageous. May we meditate on God's Word day and night. And may we step boldly into whatever transitions lie ahead, knowing that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.
In Christ’s Love,
Life is a journey filled with transitions. Some are exciting, while others can be daunting or even heartbreaking. But what if we approached each transition with the assurance that we're not walking alone? What if we truly believed that God is with us every step of the way?
This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the opening chapter of Joshua. As the Israelites stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they face a significant transition. Their beloved leader, Moses, has died, and Joshua is called to lead them forward. In this pivotal moment, God speaks words of encouragement and instruction that resonate with us today.
Facing Transitions with Faith
One of the most challenging transitions we face is the loss of a loved one. Death brings change, often leaving us feeling lost and uncertain. But even in the face of such profound loss, God calls us to action. Just as He told Joshua to "arise," He urges us not to remain idle in our grief. While it's essential to mourn and process our loss, there comes a time when we must move forward, embracing the life and tasks that lie ahead.
This doesn't mean we forget those we've lost or that their impact on our lives diminishes. Instead, it's a reminder that life and ministry continue. We honor their memory by pressing on, carrying forward the work they began or the values they instilled in us.
Places to Possess: Our Sphere of Influence
God promised the Israelites a land to possess, even before they set foot in it. Similarly, each of us has been given a sphere of influence – a "territory" where we can make a difference for God's kingdom. This isn't about physical conquest, but about impacting lives with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
Our "promised land" might be our workplace, our classroom, our neighborhood, or even within our own family. God has strategically placed us in these areas to be His representatives. The question is, how are we "possessing" these places for Christ? Are we actively sharing His love, speaking His truth, and living out our faith in tangible ways?
For a church community, this might mean focusing on impacting the immediate neighborhood surrounding the building. For individuals, it could involve being intentional about building relationships and seeking opportunities to share faith in daily interactions.
The Secret Sauce of Success: God's Word
In a world obsessed with formulas for success, God offers us the ultimate "secret sauce" – His Word. To Joshua, God emphasized the importance of meditating on the law day and night, not turning from it to the right or left. This instruction holds true for us today.
Success in God's eyes isn't about wealth, fame, or worldly achievements. It's about living rightly before Him, aligning our lives with His will and His ways. The key to this kind of success is immersing ourselves in Scripture.
Sadly, biblical illiteracy is on the rise, even among those who identify as Christians. Many homes have multiple Bibles, yet they remain unread. The challenge for us is to make God's Word a daily priority, not just to gain head knowledge, but to allow it to transform our hearts and guide our actions.
Reading Scripture isn't about becoming theological experts; it's about becoming obedient followers of Christ. When we regularly meditate on God's Word – allowing it to sink deep into our hearts and minds – it shapes our worldview and influences our decisions.
The Guarantee of God's Presence
Perhaps the most comforting promise in Joshua 1 is God's assurance of His presence. Multiple times, He tells Joshua, "I will be with you." This promise isn't just for ancient Israel; it's for us today.
When we face transitions, fear often creeps in. The tasks before us may seem overwhelming. But God's promise remains: He is with us wherever we go. This isn't dependent on our level of spirituality or perfection. Even when we stumble or stray, God's presence is available if we turn back to Him.
Knowing God is with us doesn't automatically remove all challenges, but it gives us the courage and strength to face them. We can step into new seasons and take on daunting tasks because we know we're not alone.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on these truths, let's consider how they apply to our lives:
1. Are we facing a transition? How can we "arise" and move forward, even while honoring what (or who) we've left behind?
2. What is our "promised land" – the sphere of influence God has given us? How can we more intentionally impact that area for Christ?
3. How consistent are we in reading and meditating on God's Word? What steps can we take to make it a more integral part of our daily lives?
4. Do we truly believe and live in the reality of God's presence with us? How might our lives look different if we constantly reminded ourselves of this truth?
5. Is there an area where we've strayed from God's path? How can we realign ourselves with His will?
The journey of faith is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we go with God, we can face transitions with courage, impact our world for His kingdom, find true success through obedience to His Word, and rest in the assurance of His constant presence.
May we, like Joshua, be strong and courageous. May we meditate on God's Word day and night. And may we step boldly into whatever transitions lie ahead, knowing that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Kirk Flaa
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