I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. (Josh. 14:11)
His kitchen table had been training ground ever since his wife had died so young. His broken heart had fueled his pursuit of the Healer. To raise his boys, he needed wisdom and strength. It was as if, in her death, the Lord had said, “Follow me.”
When his boys made poor choices, he had asked God to show him how to lead with mercy. When he had setbacks with finances, he trusted the Lord’s provision. His worn Bible and stack of journals by the kitchen window exemplified how his faith had grown strong over time.
Joshua had heard God tell him to be strong and courageous. He and Caleb needed to be brave to walk out the path the Lord had for them. Though they had already been promised the land, they still needed to follow in obedience to see this plan come to pass. They couldn’t simply sit and wait for it to happen. Possessing the land and finding peace depended on their active engagement. Finally at eighty-five years of age, Caleb remained strong and armed for war.
Just like Joshua and Caleb, we are sometimes called into hard battles. We know the promise of peace awaits us in Jesus, but we still must heed the voice of the Lord each day as we face what is in front of us. In him, we will find strength.
Pursue the Lord daily to fortify yourself for what lies ahead.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a wife, mom, and worship leader. Elizabeth chooses to pursue the Lord and trust him for courage and a joyful inheritance.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
