Facing the Challenge of Life.

Isa. 45:2; Josh. 1:9;  #Matt. 28:19-20

The months of May and June are crucial to many of us. Thea Paula Perasol will be transferring to Metro-Manila for a new job. Arlene and Cristy Samson together with their children will also transfer to California USA during the next two months. Of course we all know that Emmajame Sola has been accepted by Lufthansa Airlines to work in Manila or for possible appointment abroad. Many church workers will also be going to their new church appointment late May or early June. This speaks of transition in our lives. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next – from Davao to Manila, from the Philippines to the USA, city to the rural area, college to career, singleness to marriage, career to retirement, marriage to widowhood- are  all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.

In one of the most significant transition recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice is: “Be strong and of courage,’ and do it…for the Lord God- my God- will be with you” (1 Chron. 28:2).

Another transition in the Hebrew history is Joshua’s assumption as successor of Moses to bring the Hebrew people to the promise land. Joshua knew that his ability compared to Moses is nothing, and looking at the task before him was discouraging. God spoke to Joshua in crucial hour with these words: “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 1:5-6). God continued to instruct and encouraged him with these words: “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. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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 terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’” (Joshua 2:7-9).

These two transitions I have cited reveal to us the key to a successful transition in our lives that is to put our confidence in God. Building our confidence in God may not be easy as we look at the uncertainties of the place, and what is to come. God understand so he gave the three C’s for us to follow.

1. Command: “Have I not commanded you?” At this time Joshua was

entrusted with a great mission. God commanded him to face the perils and opportunities of the present, to go forward and possess the land. He was told to read the Bible, meditate daily upon its truth, and to do according to all that is written therein.

The uncertainties in the transition that comes to us elicit excitement but at the same time Christians ask themselves, ‘Is this God’s will for me?” Thus we pray for God’s guidance, assurance or confirmation. God speaks to us in many various ways. Most of the time he speaks to us through His written Word. 

Believers today need to live according to God’s Word if we are to enjoy success in our spiritual walk, especially in times of transition. The Bible contains not only the do’s and don’ts for living but a daily instruction as we face crucial decisions that affects our family, our work and our mission in life. Reading, meditating and reflecting on the written Word of God will help us see and hear God’s will for us. Often we think that if we knew exactly what God wanted of us, we could do those things and life would be easier. But is it?

There was time in the early history of the Israelites when there was lacked of righteous and courageous men to led God’s people. So the Israelites were defeated again and again by their enemies. One day God spoke to Gideon through an angel of the Lord. God made clear to Gideon what he should do. So Gideon knew what was expected of him, but, being human, he asked questions and raised objections: “Why me? My family and I are not important; we have influence.” The first reaction of Gideon to God’s command is resistance to obey. Have we not all done something similar when God ask us to do something? But when Gideon got over his misgivings and instead began to trust and listen to God, he found it easier to do God’s will.

God doesn’t expect us to rush into situations blindly without thinking or making plans. But if we begin to trust God and try do God’s will, we may be surprised to see what we can achieve.

2. Courage. “Be strong and of good courage.” God gives courage.

        Moral courage and spiritual intrepidity are even more important than physical bravery. Such courage is rooted in faith in God. The person who has committed his soul, his sins, his life, his destiny into the keeping of Jesus, has a fighting courage, a Christian optimism and a victorious faith.  When God speaks to us what ground of excuse have we left? Can we use the hardness of our circumstances as an excuse when he has pledged to the believers the sufficiency of his power?

With God’s help we may be able to deal with the present circumstances but what about tomorrow?

Here is the answer out from the mouth of God come his promises and assurance: 

“For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Jesus said: “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

These two promises from God assure us the following: He is above us- to guard us. He is underneath us- to support us. He is before us –to lead us. He is at our right hand- to protect us. He is within us as companion and comforter. He never leaves nor forsakes us.

3. In short the third is Companionship. The reality of God’s presence

and His companionship with us is more magnified in the book of Isaiah when God declares to his servant: Isaiah 45:2)

I will go before you.

I will go before you- and will level the mountains. 

I will go before- and I will break down gates of bronze.

I will go before you- and cut through bars of iron.

God is telling us to deal with our future by first dealing with him in the beginning of every day. Let us say it to ourselves with unwavering faith: ‘“He goes before!”  You’ll have your fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God as your companion you’re not alone. Keep your eyes on him and have faith in his guidance and direction. He’s taken lots of others through before. Smooth waters are just ahead.