When a chapter closes, it can be both exciting and stressful. God called Joshua to transition into leadership, and God calls us to tasks. Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses, the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.[1]
Closing chapters in our lives is part of life, and each comes with its own story and unique challenges. Sometimes it’s straightforward: a great chapter has ended, and it’s time to move forward. Other times, it may have been painful, but you have gained valuable lessons, and the moment was right to turn the page. Then there are those chapters you revisit repeatedly because they contain so much meaning and happiness. You analyze every sentence to extract as much insight as possible before closing that chapter. Joshua had been second in command to Moses for forty years, and after Moses’ death, he would face the most challenging time of his life.
New Chapters Can be Opportunities for Growth
Although Joshua was an experienced leader and a man of great faith, stepping into the role of leading the Israelites must have seemed daunting. It is during such times that we find ourselves depending more on God because the waters are uncharted. As we enter a new season, the Lord is our anchor in the storms of uncertainty. For me, entering a new season is difficult because I am leaving behind what is familiar.
In the midst of the unfamiliar, there is always an opportunity for new experiences and growth we would never have if we had stayed where we were. In a spiritual sense, it is a time to listen carefully to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He directs your path. Just as in the life of Joshua, the Lord is always working towards progressions in our lives. As the Lord guides our path, He is also involved in bringing seasons to a close. Why does He do this? Because for one chapter to begin in life, another has to end.
The Lord Walks with Us into the Next Chapter
Moses, the leader of Israel, is dead, and Israel must move forward. God acknowledges the ending without minimizing it, then immediately calls Joshua into the next season. A new season may begin with grief because of our circumstances. Other times, we long for the season that has ended because we don’t know if we have what it takes for the next.
The good news is the Lord walks with us as we enter the following season. It is during this time that we can pour our hearts out to Him, expressing our fears and asking for strength, courage, and guidance to move forward. Scripture reminds us how much we need the Lord when a chapter ends. Jeremiah 17:7But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. [2]
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.