Trusting God through change is always difficult but a crucial part of life. A big concept to grasp is to trust God in the process of the situation. What do I mean?
RELEVANCE
Human nature is to focus on immediate situations at hand. At today’s pace, that normally means dealing with multiple issues caused by a variety of circumstances. That, however, puts undue pressures on us. Some situations get handled while others linger. Then the lingering ones mount up and cycles keep perpetuating.
Some situations will abruptly present themselves. Most situations that demand serious attention, however, are linked to a combination of events, issues and circumstances that will inevitably point to a pattern. In time the pattern will reveal a mounting set of problems that will present themselves as opportunities for solutions! Sometimes the solution changes the landscape, and that often creates new issues. Have you been there?
The Bible records in the first chapter of Joshua a situation that the children of Israel faced. Moses, the man who for forty years had led them through their dramatic journey from the bondage of Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land, was dead. It was time to cross the Jordan and enter the Promised Land.
The people faced uncertainty. The spies who had scouted out the land reported that giants were on the other side of the Jordan. Yes, they had also brought samples of the incredible fruit of the land. But, nevertheless, the situation posed serious challenges. It certainly presented plenty of opportunities for mind games to be played.
What do you think was on the minds of the people? Joshua, the man Moses left in charge, was an unproven leader. Where would he lead them? What was his strategy for facing the giants? What other issues might they face?
Those who had learned how to have faith and trust God would have other thoughts on their minds. They would be at peace, awaiting God’s instructions. They would know that God would not lead them into situations He could not help them overcome. They knew God would lead them through the process and into His shalom—state of peace, well-being and prosperity.
The key is, understanding that life happens through processes; which always encompass a series of interrelated steps, events and actions. What would the process of possessing the Promised Land include? Firstly, it involved listening intently to and following God’s instructions. God gave Joshua a series of instructions. Each had a specific purpose.
We must remember, therefore, that God does nothing randomly, but intentionally, for specific purposes. He had the people place memorial stones in the Jordan for a purpose. He had them engage in several activities to immerse them in aspects of covenant life. He had them march around the walls of Jericho to accomplish several purposes. He had them engage in war to displace ungodly peoples and practices and possess the land.
Keep in mind, focusing on the process keeps you in progressive forward motion—and in God’s peace. Focusing on the situation causes stagnation and frustration; and does little to help you advance forward.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What new or challenging path is God having you navigate?
What thoughts of the past has He caused you to recall?
How is He challenging your faith and encouraging you to take steps forward?
REFERENCES
Psalm 23; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 18:36; Proverbs 4:26