Fields United Methodist Church

Side by Side with Jesus.                                                      Pastor Tom Joyce

January 22, 2021

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

Have you ever felt that we are living in a “parallel universe,” where up is down and where life seems to make less and less sense? The Word of God came to Joshua almost 2700 years ago also during a time of great uncertainty. Joshua was commissioned by God to lead the Israelites into the promised land, into a strange land and through unknown dangers. Maybe you find yourself in uncharted territory, unsure of your next step and understanding the world around you less and less. There is hope because there is God; you have an advocate through Jesus Christ that will never forget you nor despise you but will lift you up on “on wings like eagles,” (Isaiah 40:31) and give you strength and courage to move forward unafraid, knowing that God will be with you “wherever you go.” That affirmation is a big deal, the biggest deal. Leaders come and go, health and financial conditions can change quickly but God, through Jesus the Christ will never falter or fail, and will “neither leave you, nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) The God that created you, redeemed you, and set you free to live a life of grace, joy, and hope has given you a promise today, no matter the path you are on or the difficulties along the way. In the midst of hard times, keep your focus on the love of God; draw strength and courage from the One who loved you, especially you, so much that he “gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God never promised you a life free from challenge or pain, but did promise to be with you in the midst of those times, to offer strength and courage. One of my favorite hymns is also my fervent prayer for you today; “Lo! The hosts of evil around us scorn thy Christ assail his ways! Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.” (“God of Grace and God of Glory” 577UMH. Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930) So no matter where you find yourself today, “be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Rev. Tom Joyce