Last week Deuteronomy 31 gave me an incredible peace in Praying against Fear in Adoption. If you are struggling with any number of circumstances, I encourage you to meditate on this passage a while, or maybe read what it has offered me to get you started:
Moses is telling the people of Israel that he will not lead them into the Promised Land, but rather Joshua will succeed him and lead them in. However, he reminds them that,
The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken. 4 And the Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. 5 And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31: 3-6
In front of all of Israel, Moses goes onto tell Joshua:
{I love that scripture makes a point to say this was said “in the presence of Israel,” basically holding Joshua accountable to the high calling and security He has in God.}
HUMBLY GOING TO WAR
Going to war and fighting for the land God promised is not my circumstance. Or is it? There is a war waging against us in the Spiritual realm and if we are going where God is leading, God’s enemy loves nothing more than to trip us up along the way. I take this historical account literally, but in my application, reading “he will destroy these nations before you,” leads me to metaphorically believe if we seek God, He will destroy: lies, discouragement, culture and so on.
Right now, he is leading me, my husband, and our family into the “land” of Adoption. There is a mountain before us with all signs pointing to “this is huge; turn around and go back! Back to a comfortable life that makes a lot of sense to me and everyone else.”
But Deuteronomy 31 humbles me in the reality of how my humanity, fears, and selfishness can cloud my perception and interfere with the Lord’s clear guidance. Goodness, even the fact that Moses wasn’t the one leading them into the Promised Land because of his own disobedience is proof enough that we all stumble along the way (and that may result in disappointments) but ultimately the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
He might be leading you in to conquer the “land” of a new job, flourishing business, marriage, parenthood, a mission field, addiction, disease, loss, or even death. It is not a matter of where He is leading, but whether or not we will follow in confidence.
Takeaway?
I need to get out of my head, and continuously submit my life to the one who Created it, who promises to go into this land before us; and trust that in His Spirit I can draw upon strength and courage that is greater than my own and know that I do not need to fear or be discouraged because He will never leave or forsake me.
What verse brings you peace when you’re fearful?
Into what “Land” is he leading you?
Sharing this post with: The Better Mom, Cornerstone Confessions, Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, Raising Arrows, Walking Redeemed, Serving Joyfully, Raising Mighty Arrows, & Christian Mommy Blogger
Becca V
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The verse I stand on when all around me is unstable–you just need to read a few more verses on to Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his work is perfect, all his ways are judgment; a God of truth, without iniquity, just and right is he.” We can trust this Rock–always. Living in the Pacific NW, we have a H.U.G.E rock on the Columbia River–Beacon Rock. I love to use Beacon Rock as an example of how puny that rock is in comparison to our Mighty God. Adoption is not for everyone, so you are right to put the perspective back on God and what HE is desiring to do in and through your family as you journey this road. And not only for your family, but for the families that you touch: through the adoption, through your blog, through your everyday living. He is faithful, He is true, and just and right in all His ways. He will lead you rightly. Thank you for sharing your heart, your fears, and the answers God gives you through His word.
Hi Becca! I am coming over from Thriving Thursday.
I wish all blessings on your journey in adoption. I have two adopted children, and we were a foster family too, so I know about some of the hurdles you are facing. Just stay calm and strong and let the Lord go before you. You have the right attitude!
So nice to meet you today!
Ceil
Thank you, Ceil. It is such a blessing to hear from Moms who have gone before me. And I love hearing that indeed there is struggle, but not that you can’t endure!