Joshua 1:2-5, New Living Translation

“Moses, my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan river into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: Wherever you set foot, you will be on the land, I have given you… No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

In the beginning of Joshua, we find that Moses has passed on. The Lord speaks to Joshua and gives him two things. He’s given an assignment, and he’s given a promise. “He said, ‘Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites across the Jordan river into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: wherever you set foot, you will be on the land I have given you… No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you, as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” (Joshua 1:2-5, NLT)Just as Joshua received an assignment in a promise, so we received an assignment in a promise. In Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT), Jesus gives the great commission. “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven, and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you, always, even to the end of the age.’” 

Just as Joshua was given the assignment to lead the people, so were we! We were once new disciples, but from the knowledge and understanding we have gained in our relationship with God we have grown! We are not meant to keep what we have gained to ourselves! Not only do we teach the commands of God, but we share our testimony! What has God done for you? People need to know what God has done for you and know that God can do for them! They need to know that God is working, He’s doing something! He’s not just some far off distant God, that does nothing!

When we share our testimonies, when we teach God’s word, His commands, we are sharpening one another. We are preparing one another for our eternal life in heaven. God doesn’t want to just save us, He wants to give everyone every opportunity to turn from their wicked ways and turn to Him! If we allow Him to, He can work through us to accomplish His will for each of our lives. 

When Christ ascended to heaven, He promised us a Counselor, a Comforter, the One who would lead us into all truth, the Holy Spirit. When we repent of our sins and accept, Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive His Holy Spirit. This fulfills His promise, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Just as he promised Joshua, “I will be with you, as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

So let us not be afraid or discouraged. Let us be comforted and encouraged by the fact that He is indeed with us in every moment of our lives. He will give us the words to say. He will let us know what actions to take. All we have to do is seek Him. “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT)

With each passing day, the time is drawing closer for Christ’s return. I myself want to be found doing what I was commanded to do, and I want to encourage you to do what God has commanded you to do! We are the body of Christ! We are in this together! And we are not alone! He is with us to the very end of the age! “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NLT)