“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.” Joshua 1:6 (NLT)
I used to struggle with change. With every new season or added responsibility, I found myself in a state of angst, trying to become something I wasn't.
In fact, as the church I pastored began to experience explosive growth and pressure mounted, I wound up in the hospital twice. You could say it was due to stress, but really, I was fighting against myself. It wasn't my physical output that was hurting me. It was the gap between how I was forced to act and what I really believed.
I had to learn to change my heart beliefs—not my beliefs about doctrine, but my beliefs about my identity. I realized that if I didn't deal with my old self-image, I would destroy the next season God was calling me into because I would constantly feel unequal to the task.
Joshua dealt with the same thing when he took over as leader of the Israelites after Moses' death. He must have had some identity issues of his own because God had to build a new vision in Joshua's heart. God told him multiple times, "Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people" (Joshua 1:6). God went on to paint a vibrant picture of conquering new lands and stepping into a new season with courage and a sense of victory.
God has new seasons ahead of you too. To step into these new lands, get into the Word and let it renew your image of who you are. Then you will be ready for whatever comes your way!
Get encouraging devotions from Leon Fontaine in your inbox every morning.
