Lately it’s Joshua
Throughout my time in China, there have been different people from the Word that have greatly encouraged me in particular seasons. During these times, different individuals’ stories have seemed to connect intimately and personally to my own journey, and I’ve poured over the truths contained within their experiences. There have been times with Peter, with Abraham, with Moses, and with Joseph.
Right now it’s Joshua. Each time I open up to his life, I hear echoes of my own life and the Father’s whispers into the needs of the moment. As I stand on the brink of great change, I find comfort in watching Joshua lead the Israelites into territory that was new and old at the very same time.
They stood at the end of years of wandering, years of unsettledness, years of daily dependence on bread rained down from heaven. The journey had been by no means easy, and at times had been downright unpleasant, and yet they had encountered the Father in ways that no one ever had before. And astonishingly, as they looked back, they realized in all that time that their clothes had not worn out and their feet had not become swollen. That’s a lot of miles traversed without swollen feet.
I have a feeling Joshua, and the nation of Israel, stood there next to the river Jordan with mixed emotions. There was a land of promise before them. The promise of comfort. Of permanent dwellings. Of a crop tended by their own hands. Of rest from the constant work of packing and unpacking their lives. However, they knew the land wouldn’t just be handed over without a battle. They knew their problems would not all instantly be solved. And they knew that they now faced the challenge of living out the truths learned in the wilderness. Of trusting and relying and loving their Great Provider in a place where their need for reliance would perhaps not be as starkly evident.
Don’t get me wrong, I by no means think America is paradise or the epitome of perfection. It’s not a land flowing with milk and honey, although it is (quite thankfully) flowing with cheese and ice cream. However, there are many aspects of life, simply because I spent those formative growing up years there, that are simply more comfortable for me. It’s a lot easier to convince myself that I have a handle on things and can run the show in America. China has a way of reminding me moment by moment that I have no clue what I’m doing. My hunger for the one true Bread is more apparent, and I’m more likely to daily gather it outside the doorway of my tent.
I know that the return to life in America will have its fair share of bumps and bruises and battles…and blessings. It will be an adjustment and that adjustment won’t happen overnight. And yet I find strength and comfort in the Father’s message to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for I will be with you wherever you go.” The Father doesn’t say, “don’t be afraid! you’re awesome and strong and beating all these nations will be a cinch!” He doesn’t promise Joshua an easy road. He doesn’t promise Joshua that Joshua has enough brains, brawn, and valor to accomplish the task. He simply promises that He will be with him. And that, my friends, is enough.
Those last six lines were perfect…exactly the perspective I need. And more importantly, I will need to REMEMBER it in the coming months.