Have you ever stepped into something that you were called to do but had no idea what you were doing? I have! It’s scary and unsettling, and if I think about it too much it paralyzes me. This year I took on a new job as the High School Registrar. My heart desired the job, so I could be close to my girls before they leave for college. That was my intention, but The Lord has revealed that He desires more for me in and through it. He has now stirred my heart for more than my own children but for all of HIS! It overwhelms me.

One of my favorite parts of my job is fulfilling the Seniors’ High School transcript request. Everyday they come into my office with their request in hand. I love to visit with them about where they want to go and which school is their top choice. They have dreams! They have desires in their heart that they hope are fulfilled. I love that God has given me the opportunity to HOPE right alongside of them. The really cool part is when they leave my office. I get busy printing their transcript and attaching the school profile sheet, folding it, stamping and sealing it and finally PRAYING over it. I lift them up by name and ask God to direct their path, to lead them to where He wants them to go, to protect them on their journey and to give them COURAGE to TRUST Him with their lives and for His perfect will to be done! I walk it over to the mailroom, drop it in the outgoing mail and then say AMEN!

This simple prayer has caused me to wonder and ask who prayed this over me? Who did God place in my path that I might not have ever known was praying for me? I know my parents prayed for me, my grandparents, but I never really thought about Counselors or Teachers at my school. Think about your life. Who was praying for you? I am here to tell you that someone out there was praying for you! GOD STIRS HIS PEOPLE TO PRAY.

This week, I have been reading the book of Joshua one chapter at a time. I can relate to the fear that Joshua must have had after The Lord gave him direction to lead the people to cross the Jordan River into the PROMISE Land. Moses died! What! That’s not the way Hollywood would have scripted the ending. Moses was the leader, the one the people knew and followed.  Joshua is the one appointed to carry on with the task at hand. Sometimes we are called to step into the position to see that the people reach God’s Promise Land. My predecessor before me was in this position for 14 years…big shoes to fill. I am still learning something new every day. This is the part where if I get fixed on what I do not know I begin to fear. Listen to these words that I read this week, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

I love that I can hear God’s voice speaking directly to me through His Holy word. Can you hear Him saying it to you? If so, then you are really going to love hearing this;

“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 1:9

That one is worth memorizing! Keep it tucked away inside of your heart, so on those hard days when you don’t think you can you will be reminded that you CAN and WILL will God’s help! Don’t let fear rob you of your FREEDOM of the Promise Land. The Israelites with the direction of God leading through Moses and Joshua reached their destination! They received their inheritance by taking one step at a time. You can too! Just one foot in front of the other! Don’t give up…keep taking that next step!  BE BRAVE and COURAGEOUS!

Father, THANK YOU for your promises in your Holy word that reminds us of who you are and that we are never alone. Thank you for helping us to be BRAVE and COURAGEOUS. This world can be scary and hard, Lord. I love that you remind us not to be afraid. Keep reminding us. Help us to memorize your word so we can recall it often. Keep it fresh on our lips. Lord, thank you for those that you lead to pray for us. Help us Lord to feel your nudge to pray for your people. You are leading all of us to your Promise Land and for that we are thankful. We love you too!  Amen!