Courageous Faith

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9There is a misconception that people are resistant to change. In fact, we face change every day, from the time we rise until the end of the day. No crystal ball can accurately predict all of the encounters or challenges that occur in a day supporting the idea that change is a constant. It is when there is an upheaval of your perceived security that the notion of resistance occurs. Of course we would like things to remain constant because it helps us develop routines and habits that become second nature however it doesn’t support growth.The children of Israel actually were resistant to change. One would like to believe that after wandering around in the wilderness for forty years, change would be welcome. They had become accustomed to a monotonous routine of rising and walking every day for forty years. They had an opportunity forty years prior to possess the land God had given them. Instead, because of the challenges they perceived they would face they refused to move forward and accept the possibility of a better life. Whether it was fear or failure to embrace God’s plan, the bottom line is they suffered because they were resistant to change.Doing something different, things outside of your comfort zone is uncomfortable but strong consideration should be given to the One who is asking you to make the change if in fact it is the Lord urging you out of your comfort zone. Fear is rooted in the idea that you might fail. When God is the One giving you the instruction He is basically assuring you that you will be successful.Just as the Lord commanded Joshua to “Be strong and courageous”, it is a message you can also have great confidence. He is with you and will be with you. So the next time you are presented with the occasion to do something different, confidently trust that the Lord will be with you.