Change is freaky. In Deuteronomy, when Joshua is about to succeed Moses, the Israelites think so, too. I feel like at this stage in my life, I’m like Joshua. I’ve been learning and keeping my place in the background. Pastor Jason is even calling me his “apprentice” as I learn about the ministry of bringing church to nursing homes and being a leader in lining people up for this and that, as I plan to take this ministry to Kentucky next year. A couple weeks ago, I began worrying. But God’s like, “Um, no.” And led me to Deuteronomy 31. Moses is like, “I won’t be going any further with you. I’m such an old fart. But God will go ahead of you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of those enemies. God’s got this. The LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” And then he summoned Josh, his “apprentice,” and said in front of all Israel: “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with these people into the land the LORD swore to their ancestors. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” All of Israel is really supportive, too. God has given them a new leader, and Joshua 1 is the big self-esteem boost for Josh. It says “be strong and courageous,” four times in just those 18 verses of chapter one.
I was also talking to my mother about Kentucky, and she told me that if I wasn’t supposed to be going, God would be closing doors. And some of the doors that have opened are just crazy. Like Dr. Wile E. Coyote’s mom’s co-worker’s family is all in the Pikeville, KY area, and most of them are teachers. Okay—that doesn’t just happen. And student teaching is going well. I will finish strong! Woo! How can I not, with God on my side? Also about that, the more I depend on him, the better my days go. Who would’a thunk?
Smiling a big ‘ole smile ‘cuz God is good and he is so great,
Anna
Anna E. Meyer 