Author: Gallons of Love

Only the Strong

Throughout the first chapter of Joshua, it is mentioned four times that we should be Strong & Courageous!  The book of Joshua begins with God charging Joshua to take the children of Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land.  Moses had died and Joshua was given the task to lead the Children of Israel to the land that they were promised many years ago.

I can imagine that as God was giving Joshua his charge, God may have sensed feelings of fear and inadequacy trying to take root in Joshua’s heart.  Rightfully so…this was a huge and important task that affected the lives of millions of people.  I imagine that it was all kinds of scary!  Therefore, God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. God didn’t just tell him, He commanded him.  “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Strong by definition means having a lot of strength, not easy to break or break or damage, not mild or weak.
Courageous by definition means very brave, mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. 

When we are faced with difficult and scary situations, God wants us to be strong and courageous, knowing that he is with us every step of the way leading us to victory. “I will be with you, I will not fail you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 

We have all been given a charge and purpose. We have all been chosen by God to complete a specific task for His kingdom.  Sometimes we will face difficulties, fears, worry, feelings of inadequacy, etc. as we pursue the things God has for us.  During these times God wants us to depend on Him to give us the strength and courage we need to go forth knowing that He is with us and will help us.  He does not want us to give up, falling in surrender.  There are people out there counting on us to succeed!  Who knows the number of lives that can be negatively affected if we are too afraid to do what God is calling us to do.  Can you imagine what would have happened to the Children of Israel if Joshua had decided to give in to his fears?  Who knows how much longer it would have taken them to reach the Promised Land.

As we walk in the calling on our lives, let’s be strong and courageous as God commands us!  Our decisions may impact the lives of countless others.  We all have others that we are meant to bless with our gifts and talents.  Know that God does not expect us to do it alone.  He’s right there cheering us on as we enter into our Promised Land!

With Gallons of Love,

Javashea

God is Present in the Desert

…I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert Isa. 43:19
 
The bible says to“consider it all JOY, my brethren, when you encounter various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:1-4.
I don’t know about anyone else but this verse has always been confusing to me.  How are you supposed to have joy or be joyous when you are going through trials?  What is it about a trial that brings joy?  Saddness, anger, disappointment, and depression I could understand but joy…how?
Trials are tough and they can shake you to your very core.  They can leave you feeling broken and desolate.  They can cause you to question God and if you’re not careful they can even cause you to give up and turn away from God.  Although trials are tough, God uses them for a purpose which will eventually produce fruit if you go through the process.  When you’re in the midst of the desert surrounded by things that dry, barren, and dead it can seem almost impossible to see how fruit can be produced.  Naturally,  fruit requires life and water.  Only God can produce life from death.  The key to going through a trial is to trust God. Trust that God knows what He is doing. Trust that God is going to bring good out of the situation in due time.  Trust that God has good plans for you as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.  Trust that even in the midst of trials God is present and He’s there every step of the way.
Over the past several months, I have personally encountered various trials.  It seems as though every aspect of my life has or is being tried and tested.  But God has kept me through it all.  Even when I feel like giving up, God gives me the strength to press through.  He has been there every step of the way keeping me, teaching me and changing me.  Strengthening my faith and dependence on Him and teaching me patience.  I give all praise to God because I know that HE is the only reason I have made it this far.  He keeps me in my mind and is teaching me how to keep focused on Him and His Power and not on everything that’s going on around me.  I have learned the meaning of counting things all joy because in the midst of these trials I can say that I still have my peace, I have my joy, and I have my faith which tells me that God IS working everything out for my good.  His hand is on every situation and He has a divine purpose for them all.  I can count it all joy because GOD is my river in the desert and He is working to make me perfect and complete; lacking in nothing.
With Gallons of Love,
Javashea