Encounter In the Sky

I had a rather awesome encounter with God on the flight from Chicago to Phoenix.

I intended to start reading through the book of Judges this week; after loving the stories of Israel's united kingdom during the winter, I'm kind of working my way backwards through the Bible. (Not intentionally... just following my heart and God's leading.) But as I opened to Judges, I felt compelled to drift further back and begin with the story of Joshua instead. That's where I found God waiting for me, right there in the words of Joshua 1:6-9, "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. 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."

I know these words were specifically for Joshua and the challenge before him. But I also had this sense that God was speaking directly to me as well. It was a beautiful reminder to be confident, uncompromising, bold, and full of faith. It was a reminder of how important it is that I pursue holiness and obedience to God's Word in my personal life if I'm going to be in any position to lead God's people. And it was a reminder that God is with me on this journey, and that he has great things in store. There will certainly be moment that are "terrifying" or "discouraging," but God won't abandon us as we follow him and obey him. I know I'm not Joshua, and I won't be taking our church family at Hope across the Jordan to battle giants. But we will be crossing into enemy territory in the lives of our community. And I hope we'll see walls crumble and lives changed as well. There's a Promised Land for us, too -- a place flowing not with milk and honey but with grace and compassion. It's going to take courage and faith and unwavering loyalty to God's leading.

And as I sat there whizzing through the clouds somewhere over the Midwest, God was whispering in my ear, reminding me of his presence, encouraging my heart, preparing me for whatever lies ahead.