We can find comfort we need from the voice of faith and experience
By Dean Collins
There are moments in life where we simply need to hear from someone who has been there and gotten through it. In our youth we think and feel like we are invincible. Nothing can stop us or our trajectory. And then one day we realized how many things fight against our rise to success in relationships, work, and life. There are, in fact, limits on this side of eternity.
Facing the challenge
These moments come in every aspect of life. Can I recover from this cancer? How will I provide for my family now that I have lost my job? How do I move forward after the loss of my parents, a sibling, a spouse, or a child? When does the pain end after the betrayal of a friend or spouse? How do I lead my business in this time of economic uncertainty? These hard moments come to someone every day. Some of us have endured through many of these, and others of us are facing our first or biggest challenge yet.
It is remarkable how helpful it is to talk to someone who has been there and somehow still smiles and finds some enjoyment and purpose in life. Having a conversation with someone who not only survived but even grew emotionally and, more important, spiritually through their difficulties and even their grief is like a drink of cool water in the heat of summer.
Comfort from experience
Joshua had the benefit of observing Moses take on what seemed to be unending complaints and extreme difficulties over his 40 years of wilderness leadership. Then the moment arrived where Moses hit his limit. It was time for Moses to enjoy the view of the Promised Land before he died on the top of Pisgah. Joshua was left in charge. Maybe Moses knew Joshua would miss the crisis management debriefs they had after many intense moments of desperation. As Deuteronomy comes to a close, Moses writes a song and then a blessing. Each was spoken over the Israelites and in the presence of Joshua, their new leader.
We know Joshua was paying attention because we find him repeating many of these words and phrases in his role as leader. These are some of the highlights spoken by Moses who had seen more challenges than he had ever imagined and survived them all.
“The Lord your God himself will go over before you.”
“He will destroy the enemies .“
“The Lord will give them (those who possess what I am giving you) over to you.”
“Be strong and courageous .“
“Do not fear or be in dread .“
“It is the Lord who goes before you.”
“He will be with you.”
“He will not leave you or forsake you.”
“Do not fear or be dismayed.“
“Take to heart these words...they are not empty...they are your life.”
Words to remember
Whatever you are going through right now remember these words from Moses. They were true for Joshua, they were true for the Israelites, and they are true for us. All who have gone before us know these words to be true.
It’s okay, and even advised, that we find friends and mentors who have been through the challenges we currently face. And it’s important for each of us to find someone we can encourage when we see them struggling in their moments of challenge, pain, hopelessness, loneliness, or grief.
Cling to these powerful words spoken by Moses to Joshua and to all of God’s beloved. Be encouraged by the example or the conversation of others who have endured. And most importantly, take your fears and pain to Jesus who knows the troubles we’ve seen and has provided a way through them now and even until he wraps his arms around us in eternity.
Your time with God’s Word
Deuteronomy 31:3, 5-8, 19, 22, 30; 32:1-7, 44-47; Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
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Photo by Ricardas Brogys on Unsplash
