The Three P’s We Need

Jan 14, 2023

What do you need to hear when starting a new journey in a new role?

Is it: You will do great! You will crush it! You are perfect for the role! Is it hearing from the people around you words of affirmation or acceptance?

I’m sure these sentiments are helpful for many, and we are to convey these thoughts to encourage someone in a new role on a new journey for sure.

Interestingly enough, in Joshua 1, let’s see how God sets up Joshua for success.

Moses, the leader and servant, is dead, and now Joshua is the new captain. God used Moses to rescue all the Israelites who were under the weight of slavery for 400 years. Also, Moses led the Israelites out of a dangerous situation through the Red Sea and the conditions in the desert. So, overall, I would say he was an exceptional leader!

All that to say, for Joshua, those were some big sandals to follow after. So it would not be too far of a stretch to guess that as a human leader, there could have been some insecurities and the need for approval.

God knowing all of this, encourages and inspires Joshua by saying this to him in Joshua 1:7,

“In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going.”

- Joshua 1:7 (The Message)

What does God offer Joshua and us as we head into a new year?

First, His presence: I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you.

Second, His promise: You are going to lead this people to inherit the land.

Third, His power: Strength! Courage!

In another version, it says: Only be strong and very courageous.

It is for sure helpful to receive encouragement and affirmation from others. We are to love others by providing that. However, what is more deeply important is receiving what God offers us: His presence, His promise, and His power.

Because we are called not just to receive but to give. We are to be so filled with His presence, His promise, and His power, so that we can provide more encouragement and affirmation to others, rather than expecting that from them.

You see, whenever we ache for affirmation and recognition from people, we are asking them to fill a hole only God can.

Joshua could have looked to others and depended on them to feel better about his new role and journey. But God, in His grace, provides Joshua and us with so much more. He gives us what we really need. He gives us what is really necessary.