Which of us has not found ourselves at some point spinning fast yet digging deeper in a rut? Doing the same thing repetitiously can leave us stuck in the mud of life. But unexpected losses can plunge us into a sink hold of despair.
As I read Joshua 1:1-9 the first and second verses captured my attention.
After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. (NLT)
Moses had led this body of people through some pretty harried situations. But one day he just does not come back down from the mountain. I can only imagine how the people must have felt during this time of uncertainty. God instructs Joshua that Moses in fact is dead but its time for them to spring into action.
We all encounter grief but we do not need to stay stuck there. I took away three points from this passage:
- something or someone significant to you died but you still need to make preparation for movement
- just because it died does not mean it was not a part of God’s plan; not all people or things come into our lives to stay but they do have purpose
- their death (it’s death) does not stop the promises God has made or the forward movement God is requiring of you.
Loss is inevitable but our survival of the loss is an indication that God is not through with our story just yet. Are you prepared to leave your personal Moses behind and move forward?
I must say, that even answering this is challenging me, but I put my confidence in God and say….YES.
I understand. I have to say Yes through tears but I am determined to move forward.
Yes, Wanda,
I am certainly ready to leave my personal Moses behind me. and there have been quite a few!
When my Mum went to be with the Lord, it took me some time (years) to spring forward past my grief. However, when the Lord told me that she had passed the torch to me, I couldn’t just stand with it in my hand, I had to run with it to leave a legacy of faith for my daughter and grandchildren.
It has been a challenge, but it is a challenge I face face, knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Great post!
Hi Carole, through God you are equal to and ready for the challenge. As you pointed out, some our personal Moses are easier to grieve and move forward than others.
I found after losing my mother then 2 months later my husband of 35 years of marriage I was able to write my thoughts into poetry though I had only written 2 poems previously the first eight years before. It took a while to come to terms with my loses but 14 years down the line I have had 2 books published, made many friends on blogsphere have travelled extetisvely and apart from my eldest son no speaking which in a way is a berevement the only difference is he is alive, my life is full.
Yvonne.
We never know what opportunities are on the other side of our pain.
Very good post Wanda…you have much wisdom. After much struggle with learning to let go and trust God in moving forward, I’ve come to the same conclusions as you have stated. I thank God for the men and women in my life who walked that out and showed me by example how to live that trust in God.
Blessings in Christ…Susan
Susan, to God be the glory. I only touch the keys but He gives me the wisdom. It’s been a hard place for me to move past some relationships but He’s helped me to gain the lesson but keep moving.
Most excellent Wanda. This post is filled with truth and understanding. Blessings to you dear one.
Blessings to you JBR
Wanda, a powerful and meaningful message for me today. God is calling my husband and I to leave a *comfort zone* – it’s kinda scary. In some ways, it mean this “dying” thing that you’re talking about. So, your words were very encouraging.
And I loved your phrase – “personal Moses.” Yes, that is what God is calling for – to leave the familiar and to venture out into the unknown – for He is with us, every single step of the way. As that passage ends up with (Joshua 1:9):
“I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.”
AMEN!
GOD BLESS!
Sharon, praying for you and your husband as you courageously venture into uncharted territory. For He is with you!
You wrote about such a difficult topic with grace and beauty! I always have trouble mourning friendships that die. I wonder if I did something wrong and think about what I could have done differently, but I realize that sometimes people are in our lives for only a season. However, their influence lives with us for eternity!
Thank you, Wanda!
Thank you Alisa! Friendships do not come all that easy for me so letting them go is quite hard. I love your statement that “their influence lives with us for eternity”. It’s so true.