“I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
I don’t know if you are like me, but one thing that happens to me often is I let overwhelming times in my life open up holes in my self-confidence. Some days it seems that so many things need to happen and I just become paralyzed with fear and stress, then I am not always successful at finishing my tasks. When this happens, I feel like a failure and this really breaks down the view I have of myself. Sometimes I feel like I just need someone to look me in the eyes and tell me with reassurance and love that I can do it. I want someone to be there for me as I try to manage my time and responsibilities and get back on my feet. This may just be me, but if it’s you too, then this article is for you!
One thing that keeps me hopeful in myself and my future is reading in the holy scriptures. Recently I have been taking a class about the Old Testament, the first half of this big, ancient book. I have never read the Old Testament enough to really know what is going on. I know stories here and there but always thought this book of scripture was pretty outdated and not applicable in my life. Until I came across Joshua… For those who aren’t too familiar, Joshua became the leader of the Israelites as they cam to the end of their 40-year migration journey in the wilderness. He replaced the original and revered leader Moses after he died. Joshua felt like he had BIG shoes to fill. He had a huge task ahead of him where many peoples lives depended on him making the right decisions. Needless to say, it was a daunting role to take on. In the very first chapter of Joshua, we see Joshua himself praying and pleading to God for guidance. What comes next is one of the greatest pep talks in the bible.
God does not always call the most capable or perfect person to be the prophet in His church. So how do we have so many great men who have led the people to greater righteousness and happiness that are remembered fondly? It’s because God makes great leaders. And that is one thing that God reminds Joshua of, that He will make him a great leader for the people. The Lord tells Joshua “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” This simple statement contains so much love and reassurance in it for Joshua, exactly what he needs. The Lord basically says Did I not call you to do this great thing? I know you can do it and I will be here the whole time to help you! Don’t be afraid, be courageous! Now Joshua has increased confidence and is feeling better about moving forward in becoming the leader the people need. The Lord ensures even more: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” How amazing is that, that God himself tells Joshua, a new and somewhat inexperienced leader, that he too can be as great as Moses, who made so many miracles possible for the good of the people. God does not fail to give him concrete encouragement. After this, Joshua goes on the conquer the Promised Land for his people and they advance successfully.
There is so much packed into this one ancient chapter of the Old Testament. This is the perfect chapter to revisit when you are feeling like everything is impossible or can’t be done. This is the chapter to read when you need that extra push to overlook your feelings of being overwhelmed. If God can say this to a seemingly unqualified beginner who is about to step into the title of prophet, then it absolutely means He is saying it to you as well. Not everyone can be the prophet but that does not mean our challenges and feelings are any less important than the prophet. Our Heavenly Father cares so much for each of us individually. He wants us to feel His influence in our lives, which is why He has provided the Bible and the Book of Mormon for us, so we can read about Him and learn how He works. If He was any different today than He was yesterday, He would not want us to study His ways and power in the scriptures. So if God can provide encouragement to a man thousands of years ago then He can speak to you today to tell you that you can do it. He is our Father indeed, and if He could then He would look into our eyes and let us hear what we need to hear most at that moment. He is always there for us and ready to cheer us on.
To read more from the chapter mentioned above, click here.
Makenzi Holland 