Moving on . . .

I’m moving tomorrow—and right now I’m surrounded by packing boxes (mostly full of books.) Walls are bare. I’ve sorted and tossed and wrapped and taped. Yes, I’m excited about the move—especially my big new office—but…

Now I’ll need to find a new church, new grocery store, and new post office. My sense of direction is faulty to an alarming degree, so I’m nervous about finding my way around. I’m a bit anxious too about meeting new neighbors. Even good changes can be frightening. How do we deal with that?

“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 NLT)

Hmmm… God requires that we be strong and brave. It’s not just a suggestion! God expects us to show great strength and power and to face fearful things without running away. We are not to give into defeat or lose hope. For God is with us no matter where we go.

Fears come in all shapes and sizes. You may be afraid of the water, but you’re required to take swimming lessons at school. Perhaps you’ve moved, and you’re afraid to attend the new school. You may fear that you’ll never have a close friend who really, really cares about you. Maybe you live in an area where tornadoes or hurricanes are frequent, and you have whole seasons of worry.

Yet God expects you to be brave. How?

God never commands us to do something that he won’t give us the power to do. You can count on that. If he tells you to have courage, to be brave, then he will give you the strength and power to do it. Just ask him. Admit that you’re nervous (or scared stiff!) Ask him to be your courage—and then step out in faith and expect his power to see you through. It will!

Girlz Rock (Devotions for Girls) Zondervan
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