“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “when you see the ark of covenant of the Lord your God and the Levitical Priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go ………..”  (Joshua 3: 1 – 4a)

It’s a new day!

As the Bible says, with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day. Therefore, I want to wish everyone a happy new year, a happy new season, whatever you call it, the most important thing is that it is NEW!

Welcome to this new time in your life, where we can start our lives all over again, it’s like yesterdays disappointments are wiped clean and we have this new day to start afresh.

In the last week of 2018, while reflecting over and thinking about the coming new year I was led by the Holy Spirit to read the first few chapters of the book of Joshua. The book was named after Joshua who became the leader of Israel after Moses died, he was known as the assistant to Moses before he became the leader. He was a man of great courage, a faithful co-worker, a man who walked in obedience to God, he was a man who loved God’s house and God’s presence (see Exodus 33 :11), there he received progressive revelation on his service (see Joshua 1:1-9 ) and many more.

The story of Joshua’s leadership began at the doorstep of Israel’s entrance into Canaan while waiting to cross over the Jordan. This was a challenge, but as a result of God’s presence and his direction it was a success. If he had tried to cross Jordan and conquer the promised land his own way, chaos would have resulted. Hearing God’s voice, agreeing to it, carrying out the plan and putting his principles into action is a model we as Christians should emulate.

Referring back to the opening verse from Joshua 3, “when you see the ark of covenant of the Lord your God and the Levitical Priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go since you have never being this way before………”  

Before the Israelites could cross the Jordan river and claim the Promise Land, God gave them specific instructions, one of them was, when they see the Ark of covenant carried by the priests start moving, they should follow it. The Ark of covenant was a symbol of God’s presence and power and Joshua had to allow the presence of God to lead and guide them into new territories. It’s amazing what happened. The Ark led them and showed them the way. If a symbol of God’s presence made a way for the people, how much more will the presence of God, the Holy Spirit which lives in us, lead us and guide us today (see John 16:13).

As we are in the beginning stages of this year, God is saying to us: be patient, let the presence of the Lord – Holy Spirit lead you. Let the Lord reveal himself to you before you try to follow Him. I know the excitement is high right now, you have goals you want to accomplish, dreams you want to fulfill or resurrect, or plans that you have written down. In spite of this, we must be willing to accept delays because God has the perfect plan and time for everything that we need to accomplish this year.

My advice to you this year – 2019 – is don’t rush on.

Just as Joshua stopped and listened to God – we too must Stop and Listen. We live in a fast paced world where everyone rushes to keep up, it’s easy to get caught up in our plans and ventures. Not becoming too busy for what God says is most important – which is listening out for His voice and hearing His words. So I implore you that before making your plans take time to focus on what God wants from you this year so you may know the way to go, “since you have never being this way before………”

On the other hand, if you have already made plans…pause.

Take time out to reflect and wait on God — let me assure you He will hear the cry of your heart and honour it. Right now we are standing upon the verge of a new scene in the journey of life. Imagine, standing at the bottom of a hiking trail, and you don’t know where it will lead. This trek is full of twists and turns it can be bumpy, but at other times smooth. You find yourself falling, but you raise yourself up and keep on going. As you weave your way towards the finishing point, a sudden downpour hits stopping you in your tracks. You are wondering whether you will make it.

I am here to tell you: regardless of the storm you will make it.

When the storm passes the view across the valley is your reward. You are lighter and you feel energised because the weight on your back has reduced on the way to the finishing point.

That being the case, for all of us the path is new and unknown because of the surprises that we might come across along the way. Tests, trials, and temptation might descend upon us at any moment in the course of the year yet. Just as God was with Joshua – he will be with you. The moment you face tough situations or triumphant successes, He promises never to abandon you or fail to help you. The days that are coming might seem long, dark, and dreary, but Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, “l am with you always to the very end of age.”

So this year, listen to the voice of His Spirit with an open heart as He whispers; “you are a winner.”