Comforting hugs 5

"Fear not" (Josh.8:1).

The Lord went to Joshua after the great leader, Moses had died, and told him that Moses was dead, and that he, Joshua would have to finish the task that Moses had started and lead the Israelites into their future in a new land. This scared Joshua. Why? Joshua was comfortable standing behind Moses and letting him do the hard work of leading. Now Joshua had to figure out how to take care of and lead these people into their future in a new land, and home. Life would never be the same again (Josh. 1).

Know the feeling? have you too had someone in your life die and leave you to figure out how you are going to lead you and your family's life in the future? Did or do you face many changes including moving to a new home, neighborhood, and even a new job? It is a life of unknowns. That is enough to scare anyone. How do you face such changes?

Let us look at how God had Joshua face the future, shall we?

First, God promised Joshua that he would not leave him alone (Josh. 1:5). I have seen people draw great strength from knowing that they would not have to walk this valley of grief and life of changes alone. I know that this truth helped me get up and put one foot in front of the other each day when my first husband lefty me for another woman. You, too, can draw strength from this knowledge.

Second, God told Joshua to be strong and be brave. This was not easy for Joshua to do. How do I know? Because God has to tell him this three times (Josh. 1:6, 7, 9).

Then as Joshua was walking out the steps that he had to take to fulfill his duties, God told him three times to "not fear" (Josh. 8:1; 10:8, 25). You too may need to remind yourself of this as you walk out your steps into you and your family's future. I found it to be easier to do this when I stayed connected to God.

I also found it helpful to keep these verses ever in front of your eyes and mind. So put them on a card or piece of paper and tape them where you will see them often through out your day. Also talk to God throughout your day telling him what you are going through. He wants to be there for you and give you...

Comforting hugs.

Chaplain Toni