“…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Today, I want to pay tribute to a special man, a husband and father, my dad, Ashraf Paruag.
As I reflect on this Scripture, God is confirming His Word to Joshua. Joshua was up until now, observing the leadership of Moses, his predecessor. Moses was now dead; there must have been a time of mourning, but from here onwards Joshua no longer had Moses to depend on; instead, he now had only the voice and presence of God. How many times in our lives do we feel alone, a significant person or position may have been removed from our lives, and we think that all is lost? How many times have we questioned whether there was a way forward after a loss, the loss of a spouse, or child, a job, or investments?
I wanted to pay tribute to my dad, which may seem selfish, to highlight him in this piece, but as I reflect on this Scripture, I am reminded that he has been one who, throughout my life, has led our family with strength, courage, and faith. He was disappointed when he lost opportunities or investments. But that did not deter him from lifting up his head to his God. He has always led from the heart and has always sought opportunities to help others. That’s the example laid out before us, his children and now grandchildren, selfless love. But he is a mere man, and there were failings.
But imagine a God who reaches out to us with comfort and love, who encourages us with every step to be strong and courageous – and, oh, by the way, not in our strength but His. He surrounds us unconditionally. This is the God who reached out to Joshua when he felt alone and abandoned, not sure where to turn or how to move from one place to the other.
God is our strong tower. He is telling us to be fearless, courageous, and to allow His strength to carry us. So, like our fathers or father figures in our lives who have carried us, encouraged us, held us when we were uncertain of the future, may we find this in our Lord and God. God the Father reaches down to us in our time of abandonment, in our time of feeling hopeless, and He is offering His strength, His courage, and His presence. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. He promises to keep us when we are feeling uncertain about life and our world.
Today, whatever you are faced with, whatever loss or abandonment you may have experienced, be confident in your God, who is ever-present and is with you wherever you go.
Prayer
Lord, today I thank You for Your guidance and presence. Help me when I feel alone, to always remember that You promised that You will be with me wherever I go. Thank You for Your love and for being a good father, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Joshua 1:3-6; Ephesians 6:4
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 77:10-20; Acts 15:22-41; I Kings 11:14-43; I Kings 12:1-24
Amen Amen 🙏