[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 31/Aug/2025]
Have you ever stood at the edge of something new and felt your stomach twist with nerves? A new school year, a new job, a difficult conversation, or even just a season of life that feels unfamiliar. In moments like these, we might ask ourselves: Do I have what it takes?
Joshua, one of the great leaders in the Bible, was familiar with that feeling. After Moses died, Joshua was called to step into leadership and guide God’s people into the Promised Land. Those were, quite literally, “big shoes to fill”. Imagine the weight of that responsibility! But God didn’t hand Joshua a checklist of strategies or a toolkit of resources. Instead, He gave Joshua a promise: “I will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
That same promise is given to us today. Following Jesus isn’t simply about believing certain things or trying harder to be good. It’s about living daily with the presence of God – the One who goes with us into classrooms, offices, hospitals, kitchens, and boardrooms. His Spirit doesn’t stay behind in a church building on Sunday morning. He walks with us into Monday morning, too.
And it’s this presence that brings confidence. Notice that God didn’t tell Joshua, “Don’t worry, you’re strong enough”. Instead He said, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. Courage didn’t come from Joshua’s abilities, but from God’s presence.
Perhaps you’re facing something new – a fresh challenge, an unexpected difficulty, or even just the daily grind that feels heavier than usual. The good news is that you don’t face it alone. If you belong to Jesus, His Spirit goes with you. That means you can step forward, not in fear, but with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you are never abandoned.
So wherever this week takes you – whether into a classroom, a staff meeting, a hospital appointment, or a place you’ve walked a thousand times before – remember this: God is with you. And that changes everything.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: The Sin of ‘Not Now’ by Dennis Ginter
Contributed by Dazz Jones; © Dazz Jones