NEVER ALONE

Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (Joshua 1:5)

God to spoke these words to Joshua, who was being installed as the leader of the people of Israel. Moses had died, and it was now time for Joshua to assume command and lead God’s people across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. But make no mistake, these words are not to be thought of as merely the account of ancient history; they are to be applied to every believer in every age in every kind of circumstance. Remember the words of Jesus Christ to His followers: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to all His children. Perhaps we are not conquering new lands to expand the cause of God’s kingdom, but life is every bit as filled with “warfare” for us today us as it was for Joshua. Is there any Christian reading this who cannot testify to the truth of the battle that rages within us against the world, the flesh, and the devil?

We have been promised times of trial, trouble, and tribulation, but we have also been promised One who will walk with us every step of the way, just as He walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego through the blazing fire of Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. If it is strength you need, God will give you strength. If it is wisdom you need, God will give you wisdom. If it is patience you need, God will give you patience. Whatever you need, God has promised to meet and exceed your needs in the glorious riches of Christ Jesus.

Is this not a word of great encouragement to you today? You are not alone in the struggles you are facing. You are not without the help you need to get through the waves of challenge that will inevitably wash over you. You may have experienced the loss of a close friend or a family member, and you feel as if you have been left to fight your battles alone. But your God has promised to be by your side through both thick and thin, good and bad, sunshine and rain.

Christian, I want you to know this: You mean as much to God as Moses and Joshua did. You are a child of the Most High God, and you have been purchased by the blood of His beloved Son. God is faithful to keep His promise to never leave nor forsake you.

Let me offer you one final word of encouragement. Would this not be a great time to consider your response to the cosmic comfort in these words? “I will be with you . . . I will be with you always.” Remember, since God cannot fail you, you faith cannot fail him, and when you do fall short of your heart’s desire to please Him, know that you are completely loved and fully forgiven . . . forever!

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!