"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and Courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
This past month of being home has been a whirlwind of finding my routines, new connections with old friends, and relying on the Lord. This summer I relied on God for my strength and energy. I have continued to do that but have found myself relying on him for much more now. In the book of Joshua we see God calling Joshua to lead millions into the promise land. I marvel at the organization and determination required to pursue this calling. Joshua 1:9 is such an encouragement for me when I have a long list of things I need to get done but really only want to throw on netflix and sit. I'm not called to lead millions of the Lord's followers, that task is daunting in light of my calling to raise support.
In the world today we are obsessed with instantaneous results, we think the word obey = blessings. Like Paster Shane Holden said "tell that to Job." We need to erase the expectation of being blessed from our obedience and consider obedience as a form of worship. Obey the Lord because HE IS WORTHY of our obedience.
El Elyon is a name for the Lord meaning God Most High. The creator of the vast universe, the master of all things, the orchestrator of each detail... knows my name, desires to hang out with me, cares so much for me he calls me to a life of honoring Him. The God Most High, has a job for me. Imagine the most important person in your life, someone you revere and admire. Now imagine if they asked you to do something. That's a very small picture of God. He deserves our reverence, and admiration more than any person on this earth.
I am a child of God. A daughter of the Heavenly Father. I am called to go to school, to work as a server, and to raise support. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23). In all these, I am called to further the Kingdom, witness among the lost, and if nothing else: LOVE people.
So be encouraged. You aren't "just a student" or "just a worker". You are a child of God appointed to do those things in an honoring and glorifying way.
