Arise and Move Forward
By Dianne Prince
“After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying: ‘Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan. As I was with Moses, so shall I be with you.’”— Joshua 1:1–2
In our scripture today, Moses is dead, and Joshua has become the leader of the children of Israel. They have not yet reached the Promised Land. I imagine Joshua wondering, Where do I go from here? In the midst of his pondering, God instructs him: Arise, and cross over this Jordan. God’s promise to deliver Israel to the Promised Land did not change because Moses was gone. His word did not expire with the visionary. Instead, God charged Joshua: Pull yourself together, get moving, and take care of the business at hand.
In life, things often do not go as we plan. A loved one may pass away. A job may be lost with no replacement in sight. A marriage may come to an unexpected end. A financial crisis may strike due to sudden illness.
Yet, no matter the setback, God’s promise to provide has not changed. He remains sovereign. Accept what He allows. Do not linger in the past. Do not waste time on what might have been. Do not let fear keep you from stepping into the future. Instead, arise and move ahead in faith. Step out even if you feel afraid, and trust God to lead you through every challenge and barrier.
When life takes a turn you did not expect, remember God’s words to Joshua: Arise. Pull yourself together. Get moving and take care of the business at hand.
As God was with Moses, so He is with you—today, tomorrow, and always.
