Be Strong and Courageous

by Dr. Ann Pearson on December 28, 2020

painting by Angie Wright

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1: 7-9

Are you waking up this week wondering where do I go from here? Christmas has come, a new week has started and in just a few days the beginning of a New Year. This is a lot to think about because we want things to be different in the year 2021. We want to get back to some sense of “normal”, but can we? People have said you can’t go back, only take what you have learned, apply it and move forward.

In Joshua 1, Joshua was heading into battle against an enemy of Israel, God’s people. God told Joshua that no one will be able to stand against him all the days of his life. "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to give their ancestors." In order for Joshua to be courageous, his strength could only come from the promises and commands of God. To defeat the enemy, Joshua needed to carefully obey God’s Word. God’s word is more powerful regardless of the enemy, so this advice applies to us also.

God is standing ready to carry us in these days as He has done throughout our lives. He did not leave us in days past and He certainly will not leave us in the days ahead. Jesus told His disciples that He would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit to be with them once He is no longer here. In John 14:18 we are told, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." God continues to take care of us even when we are not aware of what lies ahead. God is with us and will lead us as we take the next steps.

Prayer:

Oh Holy Lord, we come to you in these days seeking the confidence and assurance that you will carry us through all our days. Scripture tells us that you will be with us wherever we go. We stand on these promises as we move forward.

In Christ’s Holy Name. Amen

My love and prayers,

Happy New Year

Ann

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

return to Daily Devotionals