There are many transitions in life.  Some we embrace with adventure and opportunity.  Others bring circumstances and change that is unwelcome and painful.

 “Therefore, the time has come”…….Joshua 1:2

It seems nothing stays the same for long.  A sermon from Craig Groeschel’s Dangerous prayers book reminded me “God is in the business of building our faith, not our comfort”.  

From the beginning the book of Joshua is about transitions.  Moses had died, and the leadership role had been passed to Joshua. The Israelites would need to trust his leadership, and their God.  God tells them:

“Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you.”

Yet the road ahead, as exciting as it was, was not without fear. The land was occupied.  God would give them victory over the land, but it would have to be taken from the current inhabitants.

It was a huge transition.  From wandering—to a place to call home.  From one leader—to another. The beginning of a blessing, and the end of waiting.

How to have a successful transition

This first chapter of Joshua sets the stage for their transition, by telling them three times: 

• “Don’t be afraid or discouraged”.  

• Transitions can be exciting and full of adventure, but they are seldom easy.  He knew there would be moments where fear would overwhelm them.  God reassures Joshua telling him:

• “I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. (v5), and I will be with you wherever you go (v9). 

God’s instruction with the transition was straightforward and simple: 

• Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. 

• Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 

• Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (v7-8)

In order to prosper and be successful, the Israelites would have to be intentional.  They would have to stay focused on God. Life doesn’t stay the same, but God graciously gives us all we need to make our way through smoothly to the other side.  

God has given us each opportunities, so that we can fulfill the purposes he has for us.  Any transition requires our willingness to keep our eyes on Him, the author and perfector of our faith, and to remember God is for us, not against us. 

Transitions are opportunities to grow stronger in our faith.  They are an inevitable part of life, so let us take these words in Joshua to heart and be strong and courageous.  Don’t let transitions discourage you or scare you.  They are part of God’s plan.  He’s got it and you.