Stepping Into God’s Promises

Joshua 1:9 NKJV

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

May God Bless The Reading Hearing & Understanding of his Precious Word!

Prayer

Confession of Faith

I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel. I am moved by what I believe. I believe the WORD of God! The victory is mine! I have it now! I can see it through the eyes of my faith! In Jesus Name

Intro:

Life is filled with transitions – new chapters, some unexpected turns. Now, Just as Joshua stepped into his new leadership role, you and I - we will encounter seasons of change in our life . The key is to trust that God orchestrates every transition for our good and His glory.

Joshua 1:1–8 NKJV

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

1.1 Acknowledging the Passing of Moses:

The opening verses of Joshua immediately confront us with a poignant reality – the death of Moses. Moses, the faithful servant of God, who led the Israelites through the wilderness, has completed his earthly journey. This moment signals the end of an era, a transition from the familiar leadership of Moses to the uncharted leadership of Joshua.

Now, As Moses' trusted assistant, Joshua had been groomed for leadership. He had witnessed the miracles, heard the divine instructions, and now, it was his turn to step into the shoes of a giant in the faith. God's appointment of Joshua as the successor was not a random choice; it was a divine plan unfolding.

So there is Significance of Transitions in Our Lives:

Transitions are pivotal moments in our lives. They mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Just as the Israelites were at the threshold of a new journey, You and I, encounter seasons of transition – be it a change in career, a shift in relationships, from single to married or the reverse, a new job, or a realization of what you have been doing in life must change

These transitions can be times of uncertainty, but they also carry the potential for growth and operating in God’s divine purpose.

In the Text

In acknowledging the passing of Moses, God doesn't leave the Israelites without direction. The message to Joshua is clear: "Arise, go over this Jordan..." God's control is evident in His leadership transition. It's a reminder that even in the midst of change, God remains firmly in control, guiding our steps with purpose and precision.

What can we get from this moment of transition?

Write this down

Number 1. It’s important to recognize and accept the changes in our lives.

Just as Joshua faced the reality of Moses' passing, you and I , must confront the things ending in our lives, things changing in our lives, people leaving our lives, situations changing! But we must do it with faith that God is Control and surrender to God’s will! You surrender to succeed!

Number 2. Transitions or changes are opportunities for growth and stepping into God's purpose. It does not matter what stage of life you are end - never stop growing! Joshua's leadership marked a new beginning for the Israelites, leading them towards the fulfillment of God's promises.

Transitions are just things ending, but doors- or gateways to God's unfolding plans for us.

When we read that text and see the transition from Moses to Joshua - this teaches you and me to trust God!

Trust God when the familiar gives way to the unknown.

Trust God when - change is overwhelming

Trust God - when it feels like your world is upside down

Trust God - when you want to give up, because you don’t know what to do!

Joshua's journey wasn't about stepping into Moses' shoes but about following God's lead.

Likewise, the transitions in our life - the changes in our life create an invitation to trust in God's guidance,

an invitation to acknowledging that He has a purpose for each season of our lives.

Now lean in: Look at the transitions or the changes you are currently facing – whether it's a change in career, a relocation, or a shift in relationships, change in health, change in finances etc.

Now make up in your mind that this is a moment in your life! Embrace these moments with the understanding that God is present in every transition, every change, guiding you into new beginnings. Trust that just as Joshua found his strength and purpose in God's plan, you and I can find comfort, and assurance and direction in the midst of change.

Joshua 1:3 NLT

3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—

In the Text

God makes a profound declaration to Joshua: "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses." This statement covers the divine promise of the Promised Land. When you read the scripture - God is not being vague - he is being very specific God is giving a commitment that extends beyond just words.

He is talking to you and me today!

The Promised Land is more than a geographical location; it symbolizes the completion of God's covenant with His people. The promised land represents a state of blessing, a place of abundance, and time of divine fulfillment.

Now for the Children of God - The Israelites, it was a tangible! It was a physical manifestation of God's promise to Abraham and a testament to His unwavering faithfulness.

While you and me, we may not be journeying to a physical Promised Land, the concept is applicable to our lives. God's promises to us are many! – God’s promises of salvation, God’s promises of grace, God’s promises of provision, God’s promises of guidance, and God’s promises of purpose. The Bible constantly reminds us of the promises and tells you and me to claim them on a daily basis But to claim them means we must aligning our lives with God's Word and trust in His faithfulness.

Let’s look at the text

In Joshua 1:7-8

Joshua 1:7–8 NKJV

7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua's journey teaches us that claiming God's promises often comes with conditions. Some of the conditions God requires are meditating on God's Word, observing His commands, and walking in obedience.

When you and i Actively participate in living according to God's principles - It positions us to receive his promises and It positions us to experience His promises.

Now - let me keep this real

The journey to claim the Promised Land was not without challenges. The journey to claim your promises will not be without challenges!

In Joshua’s case Cities like Jericho stood as formidable obstacles. Just like for you and me obstacles will arise – Things like doubts, fear, and even setbacks.

Here is the reality - God's promises are not contingent on the absence of obstacles;

Just because you go through somethings don’t mean you will not receive God’s promises !

God’s promises are fulfilled in my life and in your life as you and I press forward in faith!

We must trust in God's power to overcome every hindrance in our life - it’s just a moment!

God's promises unfold in His perfect timing.

Remember the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land.

This period of waiting wasn't a punishment but a preparation.

Lean in - claiming God's promises will require you and me to be patience and claiming God's promises will require you and me to trust in His timing, understanding that His plans far surpass our immediate desires.

So take a minute and Reflect on the promises of God that resonate with your current circumstances –

Has God promised you peace in a situation Has God promised you provision, Has God promised you healing, Has God promised you his guidance.

Embrace these promises with faith, knowing that God's Word is a source of unshakable truth.

Now think about the conditions attached to claiming God's promises. Are you actively engaging with His Word,

Are you aligning your life with His commands?

Claiming promises is not a passive endeavor; it involves a dynamic relationship with God, marked by obedience and trust.

My encouragement to you - In the face of obstacles or delays, remember that God's promises are sure. Stand firm in faith, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken.

God Bless You and God keep You Is My Prayer!