Deuteronomy 6:1-9:29
Deuteronomy 9:1,3, "Listen, O Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land belonging to nations much greater and more powerful than you. ... But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised."
Anytime we're about to embark on a huge new endeavor, we approach it with great anticipation; we're expectant of good things to come. But it's often also met with a fear of the unknown that can threaten to derail us. So it was with the Israelites as they stood at the brink of the Promised Land. The time had finally come for God's people to take on their inheritance in Canaan. They would have to fight giants who lived in fortified cities to settle there. So, surely, they felt a mixture of hope, excitement, and A LOT of trepidation. But God promised them that they wouldn't have to go at it alone - He would be within the fight! Nothing was too big for Him to conquer - as long as they were willing to partner with Him in the process.
What can we glean from this momentous time in history? God is with us in every new adventure, every battle, and every trial. There's nothing we have to face alone! However, we must be obedient to do our part. Forty years prior, the Israelites learned this lesson the hard way. They succumbed to fear and didn't trust that God would lead them to victory in the Promised Land. Therefore, God made them wander in the wilderness until a generation had passed. Let's not let history repeat itself!
What big step or adventure awaits you? Do you trust God to go before you into battle? Believe in Him. Hard times may await you in the process, but you can trust that God is with you in the fight - and His plans never fail!
Lord, You are with me in the fight. I trust that nothing is impossible for You. I know that if I do my part, You will lead me to victory. Amen.