Mustard Seed Thoughts #4

As believers we are often challenged by the unknown. If we can look ahead and know what will happen, it will help us a great deal to plan wisely.

Last week I met up with my 6th Form classmates. We realized that 35 years have passed since we studied together. Looking back, we could recount the phases of life we had to go through to get here. But the scary thing is what about the next 35 years – the unknown. Another challenge or adventure? Many will not last the next 35 years as we will be approaching 90 years old by then!

I see God working with His people in the Book of Joshua. It is a story about making the journey into an unknown future. It starts by ‘now Moses is dead…..’(1:1,2) Someone had to take over to lead the people into the Promised Land. God turned to Joshua.

I believe in the fresh moves of God . It is always moving and is progressive. Relevant. Every step of God’s dealing and working needs to be fresh. The journey of faith is to receive the ‘fresh manna’ daily. He takes us a step at a time. The promise was still there but a new man (and mandate) for the new challenges must take over.

Notice the promises of God have always to do with inheritance and the land (1:3, 4) We believe in vision but this must be translated into tangible possessions. In this case, the land. They had been wandering for so long. They needed a place to settle in and to call ‘home’. I believe God is always mindful about our security: needs, desires, goals etc. That is why the promises of God are always accompanied by giving some tangible blessings to His people. I have preached about ‘the place’. Always watch the place because the place is where things begin to happen. Jacob journeyed and he wrestled with God at ‘the place’. Because of the encounter and its significance, it was called Bethel….the house of God. God met Jacob there and changed history with him. Look out for ‘happenings’ at the places that God will lead you to.

It is important to note that people of God sometimes cannot handle the blessings that come our way. They destroy us. We destroy them. God has to mould us from ‘inside out’. Character and continuing with God is important. The process of ‘being successful and staying successful’ is a major consideration. That is why in v7,8…..God reminded them about the process. It is not getting there but staying there!

“ This Book of Law shall not depart from you day and night….observe, meditate and do accordingly. Then you will make your way prosperous and will have good success. “ (v8) Note also 3 times, they were reminded to ‘be strong and courageous’ (v 6,7,9) Why? Fear. It is always a fearful thing to face and walk into the unknown future. God issued the promise: ‘ I will not leave you. I am with you.’ (v 5,9) Jesus assured His disciples the same promise. ‘I will not leave you or forsake you’.

As we face our unknown future with the hope of being successful and prosperous, we should follow the ‘rules of the game’ laid down by God …that way, we cannot go wrong. Let us take the bold steps as we enter into the various phases and challenges of life. We do not have everything figured out….but we have this assurance: God is leading us each step of the way to ensure our success. Trust Him and depend fully on Him.