Have you ever gone to visit somewhere you’d never been before? My family just took a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We had thirteen people altogether, and most of us had never been to this location. For me, there is excitement in some of the unknown aspects of taking a trip to a new place. “I wonder what adventures await! What new, fun, places will I find? What will I learn? What memories will I make?”
 
Moving to a new place is a little different than simply visiting. It is more important to know that it is a place that you could stay for a while. One might be inclined to scope out the area a little more and learn about the cost of living, the amenities in the area, and the culture. People who know the area might be consulted prior to the move. The unknowns of a new place to call “home” have a more lasting impact than somewhere you are just visiting.
 
At the end of Moses’ life, he passed the torch of leadership of the Israelites to Joshua. Joshua was going to be leading God’s people to the promised land. This would be their new home on earth. There were a great deal of uncertainties ahead for Joshua. The Israelites had not yet been to Canaan. But, they had the assurance that the Lord was going before them:

 
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:7-8

 
Joshua had many unknowns ahead of him as he led the Israelites. He would face challenges along the way, such as fighting the battle at Jericho and seeing his soldier, Achan, punished for keeping treasure that belonged to the Lord. Joshua certainly needed the reminder to be strong and courageous in God’s strength.
 
As we seek to be obedient and live for the Lord, there will be unknowns in the circumstances of life. We will have countless opportunities to take steps of faith through unfamiliar territory. The Lord goes before us. He will not leave or forsake us. We do not need to be afraid or discouraged. Just as Joshua did, we can also rest assured knowing that God goes before us.
 
Love in Christ,
Adam