Never Leave You

Have you ever gotten so focused on something that you were doing or that you wanted to do, and you looked up and realized you’re all alone? Think of the scene from Home Alone when Kevin comes downstairs after his entire family has left, and he realizes he's alone. Initially, it might seem awesome to be alone, but eventually the loneliness sets in, and being alone is actually scary.

Hebrews 13:5 tells us - "I [God] will never leave you nor forsake you." Here, Hebrews is quoting Joshua 1:5-9. Joshua hears this word from the Lord right after Moses dies, and Joshua is made the new leader of Israel as a young man.

4 Things We Can Learn from Joshua’s Season 

1. Be strong and courageous (V. 6)

- This isn’t just a commandment - it’s an encouragement and attached to a promise. 

- When God tells us this, it’s attached to a promise that He already has for us.

- Just as God was with Moses, He promises to be with Joshua... and with us. 

- This COURAGE should be rooted in COVENANT. 

- Courage without God is recklessness. Courage with God is obedience. 

2. Follow the Leader (V. 7)

- Everything Moses did, Joshua was told to follow and imitate. 

- Just because you're the leader that doesn't mean you don't have to follow.

- You will be a leader at some point and have influence. Be careful and wise with it!

- You never actually stop following... The revelation that God gave to Moses did not change, so what God spoke before is still true now!

- God is telling Joshua (and us) that success is based on our obedience to the truth that God has revealed to us.

- Make sure Jesus is at the front of everything that you’re doing. 

3. Know your word (V. 8)

- Spend time reading the Word. It's not enough to just think about scripture or to memorize it. It needs to be part of your regular conversation!

- What’s in you comes out of you. 

- What you meditate on steers the direction of your life. 

4. Don’t be scared (V. 9)

- Don’t be afraid, because the Lord is with you. 

- Don’t allow anything to have power over you that you freeze and can’t move. 

- Things will not always go the way we think they should, but He's still with you!

God’s PROMISE is your CONFIDENCE, and His PRESENCE is your COURAGE. 

Wherever you find yourself, lead with courage, follow Jesus, keep His Word deep within you, and move forward with no fear. Jesus is with you, and that's all you need!