February 10 – OVERWHELMED

Haven’t I told you? Be strong and have courage; don’t be afraid or get discouraged, because I – the Lord God – will be with you in every place you go. (Joshua 1:9)

                Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the responsibility placed upon you? Joshua certainly had reason to feel that way. He had the experience of spying on the giants of the land he was preparing to invade. So, he knew he faced a hard road ahead. He knew this was the big game.

For hundreds of years, fathers and mothers in Egypt promised sons and daughters of God’s assurance to Abraham. The whole burden; the whole future of God’s people and his promise rested firmly on Joshua’s shoulders. And, he felt alone. Everyone from his generation had died, and now his mentor, Moses, was gone too. No wonder that God told him three times, “be strong and have courage.” Now, He explains why. Joshua could be strong. He could have courage, because God promised to be with him as they entered the promised land.

                When you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that God makes the same promise to be with you, so be strong and have great courage.