Week 12
“Moses, my servant is dead. The time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them…
Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.” —Josh. 1:2, 6
“What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” —Matt. 10:27–28
The Christian life is made up of many callings and quests—distinct assignments that God has prepared in advance for us to carry out. These aren’t tasks we determine for ourselves, but rather missions God reveals as we walk with him. They may involve hardships and perceived dangers, but if they are from God, we can trust that he will prepare the way for us to go.
In the first passage, following the death of Joshua’s mentor and leader, Moses, God calls Joshua to a new role: leading the Israelites into the promised land. This transition represents not only a calling but also the start of Joshua’s quest, the specific mission entrusted to him by God.
This pattern of calling followed by quest repeats in the lives of God’s people. David’s calling began when he was a teenager but continued for seventy years. Moses’ most defining quest started when he was eighty years old. Joshua’s own leadership journey likely began when he was around forty, but his greatest quest didn’t unfold until decades later.
God has more in store for you, no matter your age or life season. Keep listening. Keep seeking.
Reflection Questions
What next quests (i.e., next steps) in your calling has God revealed to you?
Are you tempted to believe your age impacts how strongly God can use you?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?