Be Strong and Courageous

“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

This is one of my favorite verses from scripture, and one that has guided my ministry as I have moved and served in a variety of locations and congregations. I shared this verse with you as we began forming the Transition Team and entering into the transition process, as words of encouragement for the challenging yet rewarding journey ahead. As I prepare to close my time with you, I felt it timely to share again, especially for the context in which it was given.

These words are part of the instruction that God gives to Joshua, who is taking over leadership of the Israelites after the death of Moses, who freed them from Egypt and led them through the wilderness. Moses guided them through some very significant moments of their journey, but he was not meant to lead them the rest of the way. This reminds us that human leaders come and go, all serving a purpose for a season, but God and God’s mission for us remains the constant.

Though I started this wilderness journey with you, like Moses, I will not be the one to finish it. But God always provides and raises up new leaders to continue God’s work in and among God’s people. Yes, this can be new pastors, but it can also be members of the community who discover and answer God’s calling to lead from within the congregation in various ways. Especially in this wilderness transitional time, I hope that you will pray about and consider how God might be calling you to serve, lead, and try something new for the ministry of Lord of Life.

As we hear in these words God speaks to Joshua, this work God calls us to involves being ‘strong and courageous’ – it involves taking a chance, being willing to step out in faith, and trusting in God and each other. I hope you will use this time to really lean into what it means to be the church together, and to share your gifts for ministry in whatever way you are called and able. And, as you begin working with a new interim pastor, to trust that God has also brought them to you to help lead you through the next phase of your journey.

Thank you for the privilege of journeying with you thus far. May this be a time to look to the future and to support one another in being strong and courageous, trusting in God, and taking those leaps of faith. And as you do, do not be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord your God is with you, and will always be with you, wherever you go.

Peace,

Pastor Kristin