JOHN SHIRK – Just before the Israelites were to cross over into the Promised Land, Moses said to the people in Deuteronomy 31:6-“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Moses was reminding the people that taking possession of the land was God’s idea, and because of His favor, they could depend on God to go forward and remove the obstacles that stood before them.

An Iranian pastor once said, “If you have vision, nothing will frighten you. With His vision, God gives you power. You must not be afraid.”

In the midst of challenging circumstances, the temptation is to focus on how big the enemy is or how big the obstacle is. The words of Moses challenge us with a new perspective-to focus on God and to put our faith in Him. If He calls us to it, He will see us through it. There may be struggle, and there may be suffering for obeying the Lord. However, in the midst of trouble, God’s purposes prevail, and those purposes are redemptive in the obedience of His followers.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com