Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (RSV)
This winter, I often looked out the window worrying about being trapped or injured by ice and snow. Was it safe to walk on icy paths or drive down uncleared roads? Yes, I knew spring would come, but it wasn’t here yet.
This winter, I often looked out the window worrying about being trapped or injured by ice and snow. Was it safe to walk on icy paths or drive down uncleared roads? Yes, I knew spring would come, but it wasn’t here yet.
Standing there in a warm, modern house, I remembered a family visit to the Lewis and Clark Tourist Center in Washburn, North Dakota. On its high hillside, we only endured the onslaught of cold, non-stop winds, but those explorers traveled a sparse, rugged land without conveniences. Commissioned by President Jefferson to explore the West and return to tell the new US government about their newly purchased lands, they absolutely needed strength, courage, and boldness to complete their task.
Their official journals do not reveal how much they depended upon the Lord’s assurances of Joshua 1:9. In it, He directed Joshua to go forward and occupy the land across the Jordan. In Proverbs 3:5, the Lord’s followers from then and now are told to trust and not rely on their own knowledge. We read the same thoughts in Psalm 27:14: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage,” and in I Corinthians 16:13: “Be strong, stand firm in your faith, be courageous.”
Enduring today’s hardships on any particular day are nothing compared to the barriers of our forefathers. Warriors of long ago cry out, “We were successful, You will be too.” So I read the Lord’s promises, face each day, and depend on Him to provide the strength and courage. Spring will come.
Lord, Thank you for your love, your assurances and the inspiration of others. Amen.
© V. Colclasure 2015
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