Joshua 1:2a – Moses my servant is dead. Get going. (MSG)

Joshua needed a prod. He had been Moses' assistant, and now it was up to him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. But Joshua was hesitating. Doubting. Was he the right man to do this? Would the people follow him? Was he able to do the job? But God told him, "Get going." So Joshua stepped out.

Haven't we all been there? We're not sure if this is what God wants us to do. We hesitate. Moses himself had been in the same predicament years before: "Me? Why me?" Surely, God must mean someone else. He argued with God. But God said, "Get going!"

When we're faced with an opportunity to serve, we can all think of reasons why this must be a mistake: we don't have the time, we don't have the knowledge, the resources, equipment. We're too young, too old. What if …? And of course, someone else could do a far better job. Perhaps we haven't heard God correctly. Better wait.

Some years ago, I took a spiritual gifts class at my church. When the result of the survey was "leadership", I doubted that it was true. I did it again. And again. I tweaked the answers here and there. But it always came out the same. When I was asked to lead a Bible study group, I did the very same thing as Moses. Me? Not me! I love Bible study. But leading? No, there must be some mistake. But God was prodding me. Get going! Several years later, I find that this is my place. God knew what He was doing after all.

God doesn't just lead us into a situation and then let go. He promised Joshua that He'd be beside him and before him. God is always beside us. He strengthens and encourages us with His Word. He sends others along at just the right moment. God is always ahead of us. He already knows the outcome. He had a plan for us before we were even born. Every one of us was made to fulfill a different purpose. He builds on what went on in our lives before. He puts us in the environment and into situations that will train us for His purpose. He gives us the gifts and abilities required for the job. He equips us and provides everything that we need when we need it. But it's up to us to trust Him and take that first step.

Can you feel God prodding? Get going! Speak! Tell them! Make it! Do it! Go! Don't be afraid. Don't get discouraged. He is always with us.

What are you waiting for? Get going!

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it seems unlikely that You could use us to be Your hands and feet in this world. You created us to serve You by serving others and to bring You glory by doing that. But we have trouble understanding why You would choose us. Help us to step out, just like Joshua, Moses, and countless others through the centuries. Prod us, Lord! Help us to get going! In Jesus' name, we pray this. Amen.

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About the author:

JJ Ollerenshaw <sandjollie86@gmail.com>
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
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