Diving In!

This morning I read through one of my favorite passages, Joshua 1:1-9 (please, take a moment and read these verses!) and thought that there is a lot of good stuff in that passage for LightThoughts. I mean stop and think for a minute about how this all transpired.

 

GOD: Joshua, Moses is dead. I want you to take over. In three days, I want you to lead the people across the flooding Jordan River and take up residence in a strange land that is already occupied with my enemies. Better get busy! Now, don’t be afraid or nervous (yeah, right)~don’t become discouraged. Remember, I have promised all this land to you and your (actually, my) people many years ago. I have prepared the way; everything is in order. Get everyone ready and GO!

 

JOSHUA: Yes, God. I will get them ready. In three days we will cross the Jordan that land you have promised to us, your people.

 

Pretty simple~nine verses~powerful message (that at one time I had memorized, along with my third grade classes).

We were going to enjoy the lessons of faith and courage from Joshua’s quick and compliant obedience, have a couple of laughs at the thought of it all, and be done with this week’s blog.

 

THEN~later in the day it hit me (rather God hit me with it)~~~It dawned on me, … I have recently become a “Joshua”!

Just a couple of hours ago, while writing some job related, stress-filled emails (from home!),  I realized that I needed this reminder from Joshua today.

 

I have recently been placed in a leadership role at my workplace. Eight months ago, I was kind of a helper leader~but a couple of months ago I was all of the sudden THE leader—you know with all the leadership responsibilities included.

 Make the decisions, 

       handle the conflicts, 

              make sure everything is running smoothly…

 Now, granted, the field (education) is very familiar, and I have had years and years of experience—but the leadership part is all new.

I went through all the emotions:

 ME?

     I don’t think I’m cut out for that….,

        A lot of my weak areas are needed for leadership…. 

                    UH, can I do it? And so on………..

 

I have asked for book referrals on being a good leader, and am about to start one.  But today, I ‘found’(?) Joshua!        

          

So consider the following: Envision if you may~ 'Deborah 1:1-9'

 

GOD: Debbie, I want you to take this leadership position. Next year, I want to see a completely new ministry as you enter new ‘land’. Better get busy! Now, don’t be afraid or nervous! Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged. I have already planned out this endeavor and have chosen to put you in this position. Remember, I have promised to be with you always. Remember your love for Christian Education? I am placing you back there in a different role~I know you can do it! Remember, those long ago dreams of preparing a Bible Curriculum?~Well, you better get on it! This is where I want you right now, and I wouldn’t place you there without guiding you through. NOW, DO IT!

 

ME: Yes, God. I will step into the Jordan and allow you to lead me as I lead my Little Patriots!

God has used the events and opportunities of the past year to provide the necessary confidence and organization necessary to begin~~so here goes. As Stephen Curtis Chapman would say, “Sink or Swim, I’m Diving in!”

 

Joshua 1:1-9

Plug your nose and jump in~

Debbie

PS~I will still be doing my purse business (Can’t use brand on here)!