Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”
                                      Deuteronomy 21:23 NIV

One of the most famous karaoke songs was released in 1969. I’m sure everyone’s heard at least one person completely destroy “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.  Can’t you just hear them screeching out, “For what is man, what has he got, If not himself, then he has naught…I did it my way.”1  This song set the mindset for the 1970’s and years following that you can do anything, because of your own strength.

Today’s verse is part of a lengthy passage of encouragement God gave to Joshua before he took over leadership for the nation of Israel from the capable hands of Moses. God’s encouragement to Joshua flies in the face of the words in the Sinatra song.

Well, I’m not Frank Sinatra, I’m just not that good. I’m more like Joshua, filled with doubts and fears about my abilities.  Doing it ‘My Way’ often ends up in a mess.  I can better relate to Joshua than Frank. Josh was in a hard place.  He had big shoes to fill and a difficult mandate to accomplish that had eluded the Israelites for hundreds of years.  Wandering in the desert for the last 40 years before this message came left most everyone in disbelief that they could ever get to the Promised Land but, through this encouragement Joshua was able to lead the nation to victory and crossover into the land God promised them since the days of Abraham.

The greatest comfort comes in knowing you don’t have to accomplish anything in your own strength.  When God calls you to do something, He promises to be with you.  So, if God who created the whole universe is with you, what can you do?

Prayer

Father…Help me not to rely on myself but to completely count on You for victory.  Help me to do it ‘Your Way’ and fulfill all the plans and purposes you have for my life.”  In Jesus Name…Amen

 1           https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/franksinatra/myway.html & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Way

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Sherry Stahl