Courage to Go!

Here we are in 2009! Do you sense it? Do you hear Him? I do. I feel that God is calling me to cross over into new territory this year. What about you?

For months God has been ministering to me through the book of Joshua and I'm continually encouraged at how God delivered His children from slavery into freedom, from poverty to prosperity and from homelessness to possessing THE land.

I want us to stop and think of God's dedication to His people. Here were the Israelites whom God had delivered from Egypt with a purpose and a dream to take them into the promise land. Then, the Israelites (not quite your most courageous bunch in the world) couldn't trust the dream God had for them. So for forty years God was patient and faithful to them. He provided everything they needed. Then, it was time. Time for God's dream for His children to come to pass (finally!) and Joshua was the man of the hour.

Joshua called the people together and began to give them instructions on what they needed to do. I like how some of the men responded to Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us." (Joshua 1:16) What a great attitude to have! God knew they were ready this time to do what needed to be done. Crossing the Jordan River would be the beginning of all that God had in store for them to possess their promise land. They were ready. Are you? Do you trust God's dream for yourself?

Sometimes it's hard to believe God for ourselves. We easily believe and pray for other people and see God work. But when it comes to our own lives or situations, it's more difficult. Even though no one feels your doubt or fear as much as you do, you must remember that this is not your dream, but His dream for you. Dare to believe Him to halt the Jordan River or crash the walls of Jericho that stand in the way. God never gave up on the Israelites nor on His dream for them. He was completely dedicated to them...as He is to you. He has been patient and He continues to be faithful. He has not given up on you nor on His dream for you.

Now do you sense it? Do you hear Him? It's time. No more excuses. He wants to bring His dream for you to pass. Or maybe, He has new territory for you to possess this year. Hear Him calling. Believe Him. Trust Him. May our response to God in 2009 be: "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us!"

AMEN.