Obstacles or Opportunities

After years travelling in the desert, the people of God stood at the brink of entering the promised land...and they were afraid.

Journeys lead us somewhere new, whether physically taking us to a new place to live, a new job, even a different country- or a journey into a new experience, a new challenge. New things are exciting and challenging, but at the same time scary. How do we handle those feelings of apprehension, nerves, fear...?

Joshua and the Israelites show us two possible responses.

We can let our fears overwhelm our excitement, until the challenges ahead grow to be giant obstacles and we doubt that we can overcome them.
Deuteronomy 1:28 "Where are we heading? Our kindred have made our hearts fail by reporting 'The people are stronger and taller than we are, the cities are large and fortified to heaven!' "

Or we can face the unknown with strength and courage, listening to the words that God spoke to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

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