New Beginnings

Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

I think back to when I started my DCE internship. I was sent to Amityville, NY. That’s on the southern, central shore of Long Island. I am a Midwest girl and from a smaller city. Needless to say, I was both terrified and excited about this adventure.

Preparing for internship or your first call always reminded me of Abraham. He received a call to go, to leave his family, his village and follow where God was sending Him. Read Genesis 12:1-9. Abram, his name at the time, picked up everything and went where God was telling him to go, no questions asked! What makes this even more unbelievable is that at the time of this call we read in Joshua 24 that Abram was an idolater. He wasn’t even following the LORD, yet was willing to pick up and go when the LORD called! I believe the only reason he was so willing to go was because of the promise the LORD gave him. He was promised this: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

As scary as it had to have been for Abram and his family to follow the Lord, they did it! As terrifying as it may be heading off for internship or a new call, we know that we can follow the Lord, no questions asked, because He has given us promises as well.

We are promised that He will never leave us in Joshua 1:9. He will be with you every step of the way, just as He was with Abram. There is no need to be fearful of the future. Another promise, the ultimate promise, is the Everlasting promise that is ours through Christ’s death and resurrection in John 3:16. We are also promised that our work for the Lord will be blessed. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Our service to the Lord is not in vain because of Christ and the everlasting promise that is ours through Him.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, as new beginnings come our way, whether just starting out or as a veteran in the ministry, please help us to place our trust in you and your promises. Help us to always listen for your direction and be willing to go where you lead! In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Published May 29, 2009

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