All Things New!

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

These comforting words can apply to all of us as we seek to live a good life and overcome our own unique challenges.

What does it mean to be strong?

Part of being strong and of a good courage means trusting in the Lord as our true source of strength. In Joshua’s case, he didn’t have all the answers for the challenges before him. But he was counselled to go forward anyway, acting in faith. Like Joshua, we seldom have all the answers to our personal challenges. But God promises that when we turn to Him for guidance, we will succeed. God is all-powerful and all-knowing. He has the answers and the strength we need to face any challenge before us. He was with Joshua, and He will be with us.

At the time it was completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. During the first phase of the project, 23 men fell to their death. There were very few safety devices, and things seemed to be going from bad to worse.

So when it was halfway completed they decided to take another look and to make some changes. Here is what they did. They reorganised and they built the largest net ever made and attached it under the area where the men were working. Was it worth the cost and the time it took to do that? Well just ask the 10 men who fell into the net! Not only did it save the lives of those 10 men, the work was actually done sooner than planned because they no longer lived in fear of falling.

Elsewhere in scripture we read, “The God of ancient time is a hiding place, and underneath are the arms of eternity.” Deuteronomy 33:27

Loving Father, the greatness of Your eternal majesty is only equalled by Your gracious love and support to Your children. Thank You that You are my refuge and strength amidst all the storms of life. Uphold me with Your righteous right hand, and may I find rest for my soul in Your everlasting arms. In Jesus' name, AMEN.