This week, we start to study a new book by the name of Joshua, which features the work and ministry of Moses' successor in bringing the people into their Promised Land. At the beginning of the book, we read,
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:1-5).
We don't know Joshua's age when he found out he was to follow Moses as the people's leader, but his purpose was clear from the time he is first mentioned in Exodus. God wants you to have that kind of purpose clarity because He wants you to fulfill your purpose more than you do and is prepared to give you whatever you need to get the job done—spiritual gifts, financial assistance, His presence, open doors, and willing followers.
In these opening verses, Joshua received an awesome promise that "no one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life." That's because God partnered with him as he carried out his divine assignment, which He does for you when you are active in your purpose. Are you clear as to what your purpose is? Do you sense God's presence with you as you function in it? What may be preventing His help in your thinking or actions? How can you be more bold in your purpose?
God is a purposeful God and He has given you something to do that only you can do, just like He did to Joshua. As we move through this next book in the Old Testament, determine to be a Joshua to your generation and learn from the man whose purpose was clear from his earliest days.
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