Friday, May 19, 2017
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
NEW TERRITORY
Remember your first day of Kindergarten, a move to a new town, or your first real job? It was new territory, exciting, but a little intimidating too, right? What should I be doing? Will it turn out the way I want it to? What if I mess up?
What helps tremendously is to know that you're not alone. As you walked into a classroom full of strangers, Mom was there to assure you she would be waiting when the school day was over. A teacher's smile gave you the confidence that she was on your side. A coworker took you under their wing and filled you in on workplace procedures.
Really, every day is new territory. No matter how familiar our routine may be and how well-planned our schedule, we have no guarantee that the day will unfold according to our expectations. Thinking of that uncertainty, do you ever dread what may be coming? Do you wonder, "What if I mess up? What if something goes wrong?" Do you envy those who confidently welcome whatever comes as a new adventure?
When the Israelites were on the verge of crossing the Jordan and entering the Promised Land, I'm sure there were many who wondered what awaited them in this new territory. Would they survive? Would they like their new home? How would they know what to do?
They had no reason to worry. Their leaders gave them these orders: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God...you are to...follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before" (Joshua 3:3-4).
Are you facing new territory: new challenges, decisions, situations you haven't encountered before? Afraid you will mess up? You're not alone. The Lord is always at hand. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. He has been this way before. Jesus lived here and faced all the dangers and difficulties we meet. He even died and rose again for us. He now calls, "Follow Me." When we stumble along the way, He forgives, picks us up and gives us new confidence to keep going. His grace makes new territory something to anticipate, for we know He will be there to bless us in love.
