Facing the Future- Be Strong and Courageous

By Rev. Victor Ehiemua (Asst. Pastor)

“I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”- Joshua 1:9

There is always a future for everyone and the uncertainty of it creates apprehension. In the midst of all these about the future, people take risks. What do you do when you do not have a clear direction as you move into 2015? The year 2014 may have been very difficult, challenging for some of us; and probably one of the best years yet to others. Regardless, 2015 is here – praise the Lord! Be strong and courageous.  In facing the future, there are some “dos” and “don’ts” we are encouraged to pay attention to in the book of Joshua.

First don’t PRESUME about the future. ”Don’t brag about tomorrow (future), since you don’t know what the day will bring”- Proverbs 27:1. This does not mean we cannot make plans, but making plans without God who is in control of the future is not wise. What would you like to be doing a year from now, six months from now, or by this time tomorrow? How will you react if God steps in and rearranges your plans? Reading your horoscope, or having your palms read cannot predict your future. God is the one in control of the future.

Secondly don’t PANIC about the future. As chaotic as it is or might be, God has not lost control. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today (Matthew 6:34). Planning for the future is time well spent, but worrying about it is time wasted. Careful planning is thinking about your goals, steps and schedules and trusting in God’s guidance. When we panic, we are consumed with fear and find it difficult to trust God and that can affect the way we relate to Him. Don’t let the panic about the future affect your relationship to God today.

Thirdly, don’t PROCRASTINATE until the future. In facing the future, do not wait for the “perfect” conditions; you will never get things done (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Waiting for that perfect time, place, church, ministry that may never exist creates inactivity on what needs to be done.

In 2015, DON’T PRESUME, PANIC OR PROCRASTINATE.

So what are the things we should be doing in 2015? Joshua 1: 1-9 help us to address what we are to DO.
We are to be strong and courageous in God’s PLAN (Josh 1:1-6). We are to seek God’s direction and set His plan for you into motion. “For I know the plans I have for you”, says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).Do you know God’s plan(s) for you in 2015? Ask Him- He knows!
We are to be strong and courageous in God’s PRECEPT (the Word-the Bible) (Joshua 1:7-8). We are to talk about His Word all the time; not to let it depart from our mouth. We are to think about it by “meditating on it day and night”. Memorize the Scriptures and reflect on them for encouragement and direction. We are not just to talk or think about it but we are to do what it says. We are to be careful to do everything written in it.

Lastly, we are to be strong and courageous in God’s PRESENCE. God is Omnipresence- He is everywhere. God was already in 2015 before we got to 2015. He is already aware of all the ups and downs in 2015. Step out in faith in the God who is the beginning and the end, the Omnipotent-all powerful, the Omniscience-all knowing; and He loves you as His child. “Do not be afraid or fearful or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you always wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)

Start or continue to make Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior over your life today. Start by acknowledging your sins (anything we do, say or think against God’s commands) before Him today, ask for forgiveness, repent (turning away from the sins), ask Him for His continuous strength and direction daily. Now commit your life to Him by walking in obedience to Him, build up your relationship to Him-daily Bible reading, communicating with Him through prayer. Ask God to help you find you a church where Jesus Christ is exalted as Lord and Savior, where the saints-the people of God are encouraged as they fellowship with each other, and where those that don’t know Jesus Christ in our communities are evangelized (talked to about the Good News of Jesus Christ being the only way, the truth and the life).

In facing the future in 2015, may the LORD bless you and protect you, May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you and your loved ones. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace. Stay blessed in the LORD this New Year.