Morning Devotional 042326 Go Where You Are Called

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 23, 2026

Joshua 1:6-9

⁶ Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land, which I pledged to give to their ancestors. ⁷ “Be very brave and strong as you carefully obey all of the Instruction that Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t deviate even a bit from it, either to the right or left. Then you will have success wherever you go. ⁸ Never stop speaking about this Instruction scroll. Recite it day and night so you can carefully obey everything written in it. Then you will accomplish your objectives and you will succeed. ⁹ I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Good Morning! Be brave and strong, God is with us!

Sometimes God calls us to do new, different, challenging things. When God called me into ministry, I couldn’t have imagined a more unexpected turn in my life. The call came within hours of letting go of my sweet Lowell to go rest with God. It could have been a time to sit, cry, and ask, “What do I do now, Lord?” In those early morning hours, I felt lost and alone. 

The love of my life was gone from my side, but God’s plan didn’t include for me to sit still and wait for a plan. A new day was dawning, and God knew (long before I did) what I was to do. I had never considered becoming a pastor, but in those moments, I never questioned the call. Perhaps, it was so unexpected, and I had nothing else planned (?!?) that I just said, “Yes, Lord, lead me where you want me to go.” 

As I sit and marvel over my first six years of ministry, I have tears of joy filling my heart and soul. Oh, the places I’ve gone, the people I’ve met, and the things I have learned. By God’s grace, I am a strong, confident woman who is embracing the special call that God placed on my life. Praise God for my abundant blessings!

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! O Lord, you push and prod us so that we might go the way that you plan. When we are fearful, you are there to lead us forward. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: In our most fearful moments, we can always depend on God. 

What is God calling you to do today? Pastor Liz