In the Old Testament book of Joshua we read about an incredible journey requiring incredible faith.  Imagine being Joshua, now called upon to fill the shoes of Moses in leading the people of  God to enter and claim the promised land.  Joshua surely had watched Moses as he grew in his relationship with Yahweh the God of Israel and he also observed the obstinate people Moses had to deal with on a daily basis.  Now it was his task.  In this instance God, His purposes and His plan for His people, had not changed, only the leader did.  

God was still very much at work and the plan for the people was to continue because the Holy God of Israel had planned it so.  His words of encouragement to Joshua had to be powerfully motivating in the face of the immense challenge of taking the promised land.  Listen to God’s words, “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live.  I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you.”  (Joshua 1:5)  Joshua knew the faithfulness of God throughout the journey in the wilderness but now God was affirming His presence and power to Joshua for the new promised land.

We have just entered a new time in our daily lives, no we will not be crossing over  the Jordan river anytime soon.  However, the threat of the corona virus pandemic has changed many things, hopefully only temporarily, but then again we do not know the future.  The truly good news in the advent of the challenges we face with all the changes thrown at us, especially as believers, is this very true fact; God will be with us, He will not leave or abandon us!  In Hebrews 13:5b, the author echoes Joshua 1:5, “I will never leave you or abandon you.”  We know that God has promised every believer eternal life and that life is in Jesus Christ His only Son.  We know that in this temporal life we will face trials and challenges, even like COVID-19.  The wonderful encouraging news is that God, even in a time like this, because of His promises and purposes will not leave or abandon His people.

We may have to adjust our daily routines and make adjustments in how we live each day, but our God doesn’t change and He will be with us!

Trust God today to take of those things that only He can do, and be filled with praise and thanksgiving because of His promises!