As part of my Bible Reading Plan for 2008, I read the first five chapters of Joshua on New Years Day. The term “be strong and courageous” was used four times in just the first chapter. This quickly stood out as a theme in the book of Joshua.
I have decided that it was no coincidence that I read that on the very first day of a new year. I know in advance that this year is going to be one in which I will need to be strong and courageous. I will need to hold on to the words God spoke to Joshua in order to make it through some very hard days.
I don’t know all that 2008 is going to hold for me as an individual and us as a family, but I do know that there are going to be hardships and struggles in some of the things that I know are coming up for us in the new year. There will be many stresses involved in preparing for Keith’s second deployment. We are facing some of those right now. There are also going to be many days that I will need to be strong and courageous as a wife and mother when I am in the midst of caring for our children alone. But, wait, it is because I am NOT ALONE, I am NEVER TRULY ALONE, that I can BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.
I have decided that those words spoken to Joshua as he was about to lead the Israelites into the promised land are going to be my personal theme for this year. I pray that in each battle I face I will “be strong and courageous” and allow my God to lead me into the promised land of abundant life that he has given to me.
Pat says
I have tried to read the bible every day this year and I will copy your plan for when I finish this other one I have. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!