Morning Devotional 062325 By God's Grace

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

June 23, 2025

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

6 Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you. 7 Then Moses called Joshua and, with all Israel watching, said to him: “Be strong and fearless because you are the one who will lead this people to the land the LORD swore to their ancestors to give to them; you are the one who will divide up the land for them. 8 But the LORD is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared!”

Good Morning! Fear not! God is with us!

Just before these words, Moses reveals to the Israelites that his journey is over. They, the Israelites, will cross into the promised land, but Moses will not. He has led them for forty years through many challenges. Despite their frustrations with his leadership at times, they recognized that God led Moses, who in turn led them. Moses had their trust, but now his time was done.

Changing leadership is an interesting, and sometimes scary, dangerous time. Wars begin when two people or sides both think they should be in charge. Throughout the Israelites’ journey, Moses had been grooming Joshua to become the next leader. Moses proclaims before all who are gathered that Joshua will lead you, but the Lord will go before you leading the way. 

Moses, a dedicated servant of God, is remarkable in his graceful release of power to a new leader. Yes, God had revealed to him that he wouldn’t cross the Jordan, but I can imagine a scenario where Moses would plead with God or even trick God into letting him enjoy this blessing. After all he had done, surely he deserved this experience. 

Perhaps, this was Moses’ greatest moment. He did as God asked, and stepped down with the finish line in sight. Moses was a good and faithful servant blessed by God!

Like Moses, we need to listen and obey God’s calling in our lives. Remember how Moses felt unqualified for the task which God placed upon him, but God led him and provided guidance along the way allowing Moses to deliver the Israelites to the promised land. 

Maybe our callings seem less significant, but each of us receives a gift and calling that is essential to God’s plan. Listen and follow God! 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We know we are sinners, so we have doubts when you call us. Thank you for faithful guiding us through our challenges. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God provides and meets the needs of those who answer God’s call. 

Fear not! God is with us! Pastor Liz