Your victory flag (3)

Maybe after reading so much about mountains, we're feeling overwhelmed. Maybe the thought of taking on a mountain terrifies us. In the Bible, Moses had stepped down from leadership and Joshua took his place. Joshua had a big mountain to conquer: to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. And taking over from Moses meant Joshua had big shoes to fill. Joshua was about to embark on a new adventure and Moses knew it was a huge challenge. He told Joshua that God was with him and reminded him of God's promises: 'The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged' (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).

Being given a mountain is not something to be taken lightly. It's a massive decision to make, but we're not alone in it. God sometimes does ask us to do tough and terrifying things. It could be moving away from home to be a missionary or volunteering at a homeless shelter or training in another field. It could even be forgiving someone who's hurt us. Whatever it looks like, he'll be with us from start to finish.



So what now? In the past three days' readings, what stood out most to you about mountains and overcoming them? How does Caleb and Joshua's - and Bilbo's - perseverance give you courage? Allow what you've learned to prepare you for every time you need to take the 'hill country that the Lord promised' (Joshua 14:12 NIV).





— SCRIPTURE —

'The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you.' Deuteronomy 31:8 GWT
— SOULFOOD —

2 Chr 16-18, John 11:38-57, Ps 81, Pro 27:1-3