You are called & God is enough.

Something I’ve been learning in recent months—marriage holds much mystery and many unknowns. Any time we step into a great, new thing, mystery and unknown is ahead. New jobs, new relationships, moving to new places, or changes in career paths and plans. Many of us have experienced the mystery that comes with newness—some situations harder than others. These seasons can lead us to ask questions like, "can I really do this? is this really for me? am I strong enough for this? am I ready?" Fear of the unknown that's ahead can be real. Maybe you have experienced a time where you questioned whether God could really be enough to strengthen and equip you for where He's bringing you. You are not alone friend! God wants to remind you just how great and big He is. <3

Reading the beginning of the book of Joshua, we see God divinely appoint Joshua to be the successor to Moses as the next leader and servant of Israel. Joshua has a great call—to lead the people of Israel into the long-awaited promised land. God had promised to bring Israel to the land of milk and honey, to bless them and to advance the Kingdom and glory of God, and now it was just about time. What a gift, and what a huge, terrifying task with mystery and many unknowns for Joshua and the people he was called to lead!

Let the words of Joshua 1:1-9 soak in. With this great calling and the coming fulfillment of one of God’s great promises to Israel, Joshua could not do this by his own strength. God lays out how Joshua could lead the people of Israel in such a time as this—

• God is a promise keeper (v. 3)

• God's presence will never leave (v. 5)

• Keep the whole instruction of God and live in full obedience (v. 7-8)

• Have strength and courage, because God is with you (v. 9)

There is much more to discover in this passage. What else do we learn about God and His people as we open Joshua 1:1-9?

Notice how God instructs and encourages Joshua to step into this role. It’s all centered on Himself, not Joshua. He is the rock, the firm foundation, the source of all strength and courage. God calls Joshua into complete faith and dependence on Him as he steps into this mission, holding God’s instruction close. Joshua wasn’t just enough to live this calling on his own, but rather, it is God who is more than enough.

Though our stories will be completely different, just like Joshua, God also calls us to step into opportunities and seasons of life in order to advance the Gospel and deepen our relationship with Him.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:19-20

When we surrender our lives to God as His children, He is going to bring us to places, people and tasks that we wouldn’t dream of, and it all holds so much mystery. Living life on mission for the Kingdom of God will feel too big for us at times, but we can stay rooted in these truths:

• God is a promise keeper. (1 John 1:9; Hebrews 10:23; Lamentations 3:22-23)

• God is with you always. (Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 139; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 John 4:16)

• God’s instruction is perfect—cling to His Word. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Matt. 24:35; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:103)

• God’s never-ending love and constant presence will give us all the strength and courage we could ever need. (Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; John 15:5)

In marriage, the new job, the new career path, the move across the world, the struggles and frustrations you may be feeling, the new relationships with people down the street—there will be times we do not feel capable or worthy to live the life God has called us to live. But our God is greater than any of our fears and shortcomings, and in the mystery, He holds all things. You are called to be a part of God’s mission, to abide in a deep relationship with Him and live out His will for your life, and He is enough.