“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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Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
Well if it makes you feel any better Sherry, I’m not Frank Sinatra either! 😉 Your neighbor from #raralinkup today!
Cute Nicki 🙂 Have a great day doing it ‘His Way’!
~Sherry
xoxo
what a great way to remember to surrender our own will! sing Doing it His Way!
Better you singing it than me Kathy. There are many ways I’m not like Frank Sinatra 🙂 I hope every time you hear that song now you’ll think of these new words.
~Sherry
xoxo
It’s a whole new song…and a new way of living!
Thanks Kathy,
~Sherry
xoxo
Now that song is in my head. 😉
Someone else said that, but they had changed the words to “I did it HIS way!” You are probably one of those people who could actually sing that song on Karaoke night and make it sound good! Oh singer friend of mine 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
Picturing you or me or Christine as Frank Sinatra is making me laugh! Thankful we’re only called to be obedient to God whose way is best- not to forge our own way assuming it’ll be the best!
That would be a laughable experience. I’m not a singer at all, but Christine has an amazing voice, maybe you two could sing together 🙂 Knowing that obedience is what is required of me should take the pressure off to create.
Doing it “HIS way!”
~Sherry
xoxo
When we bend our life to His will, He gives our lives a whole new song to sing! Loved the encouraging word in this post today. Thank you!
Glad you’re encouraged Joanne! Have a great weekend.
~Sherry
xoxo
I appreciate this godly encouragement. Our human nature screams “my way!” from the time we are yet babies; but I’m so thankful for a God who has graciously given us a better Way. Thank you for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!
Jennifer,
Great to have another #GraceandTruth visitor. Glad you were encouraged! Have a blessed day.
~Sherry
xoxo