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“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.“ — Joshua 1:5 The words of our verse for today are words that God spoke to Joshua. Moses had died and Joshua was now the head of the people of Israel. In order to strengthen Joshua's resolve in his new capacity, God assured him that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. God had been with Moses through thick and thin and the same would now be true for Joshua. This meant, first of all, that God would help him to govern the nation of Israel. This was no small task. God described the Israelites as a “stiff-necked people“ (Exodus 32:9) and Joshua surely knew he would face severe challenges in this regard. God's promise, however, was that no man would be able to stand against him and take his authority from him. Secondly, this meant that God would help him lead the people into battle against the Canaanites. This, too, was no small task. God knew the opposition was entrenched and fierce. That's why He led His people the long way to the Promised Land. He knew they needed time to get ready for battle (Exodus 13:17). God also promised never to leave Joshua or forsake him. Given the difficulties of Joshua's new position of authority, this was a comforting promise to receive. Joshua had taken control of the Israelites and was about to lead them into the most difficult period of their national history. With God's help Moses had successfully led the people out of Egypt and to this point in their journey and Joshua needed to know that God would help him as well. He needed to know that God would not abandon him when the going got tough. Perhaps you find yourself in Joshua's shoes today. You have been led by God to this point in life and you are about to take on the most difficult task you have ever faced. The people you lead may be rebellious, there may even be one that covets your position, and the opposition may be entrenched and fierce. If so, then take heart today, for the God of Joshua is your God too. He will be with you and He will not leave you or forsake you. @
