God’s presence in unfamiliar territory is a great comfort for every believer as we step into new seasons of life. After Moses died, God told Joshua it was time for him to lead Israel. He was stepping into very unfamiliar territory, but in the midst of that, God gave him amazing reassurance.
Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. [1] Realizing that God will accompany us as we step into the unknown truly transforms our perspective on life. Scripture reminds us of the importance of depending on God when we enter unfamiliar territory. Psalm 91:2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [2]
As the Lord walks with us, even though life’s storms may come our way, we are not alone. Joshua led the Israelites to conquer the promised land with God’s help, and while it wasn’t always easy, God’s protection gave them incredible strength and support in every battle. Whenever emotions, thoughts, or unexpected circumstances arise, remember to call out to God—you’re never alone in any challenge.
God’s Presence Gives Us Confidence
Being with someone else during tough times makes challenges feel less overwhelming. When I have another person walking beside me, problems appear more manageable. Many times in life, it is not a person who is walking beside us but God Himself who dwells in us as believers. Having the Spirit living inside you fills you with anticipation for the journey and excitement to step into what God is calling you to do.
The fear of the unknown can sometimes hold us back, making us complacent and inactive. While the uncertainty about what lies ahead might excite some, for many, it can be quite intimidating. When God reassured Joshua that He would be with him as Israel’s leader, it was precisely what he needed. Sometimes, we believe great leaders don’t face struggles like ours, but that’s not true. Joshua was stepping into uncharted territory, feeling many of the same emotions we do.
Spiritual Growth in Unfamiliar Territory
When the Lord told Joshua He would be with him as He was with Moses, it marked the beginning of a new season of drawing closer to God. God’s presence isn’t limited to that moment; as He was with Joshua when leading him into unfamiliar territory, it can also be a time of growing nearer to the Lord. In familiar life, I can handle things on my own, but when I face uncharted waters, I must look to and rely on God in a new way.
It is in this place that unexpected spiritual growth often takes place. Following God’s plan often takes us into unfamiliar areas, but it’s a blessing. God meets us there, waiting for us to take the first step of faith. We can experience His presence wherever we go, even if we’re unaware of it. He wants us to deepen our relationship with Him, often through stepping into the unknown.
To learn more about God’s presence in unfamiliar territory, 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.