I Will Be With You

​“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”  ​Joshua 1:5

After the death of Moses, Joshua was given the responsibility to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Moses was to see the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo, but he was not to enter because he did not treat the Lord as holy when he disobeyed the Lord at the waters of Meribah-kadesh (Deuteronomy 32:51). Joshua would soon see first-hand the challenges that Moses encountered.
 
Joshua faithfully served the Lord as he served under Moses’ leadership. He witnessed the Israelites’ rebellion against the Lord and against Moses and Aaron as they left Egypt and journeyed through the wilderness. Joshua saw how the Lord fought for Moses and affirmed Moses as His chosen leader. Joshua knew of the Lord’s faithfulness even when the children of Israel were unfaithful. Joshua saw the judgment of the Lord upon all who rebelled against His commands to Moses. Now Joshua, as Moses’ successor, would encounter the Lord’s wisdom, guidance, and direction.

​Based upon what Moses experienced, Joshua also knew that he would encounter the Israelites’ rebellion. The Lord reassured and promised Joshua that He would also be with him, just as He was with Moses. It was because the Lord was with Moses, that Moses was able to lead the children of Israel throughout the many battles, victories, and trials endured. It would not be Joshua alone who would lead the children of Israel, but the Lord who was with Joshua that would make the difference. The Lord promised to be with Joshua and that He would not fail or forsake him. Joshua could rest and be at peace in knowing that whatever he would soon encounter as he led the Israelites, the Lord would not abandon him.
 
Remember that as you follow the Lord in love and obedience, He will be with you; He will not fail you or abandon you. You may face many difficult challenges and it may seem that what you face is hopeless or insurmountable, but God promises to always be with you. When the Lord is with you, you have nothing to fear because He controls all things according to His plans and purposes.