Dr. David Livingstone was a famous missionary working in the uncharted areas of Africa. A group of friends and supporters wrote him a letter proclaiming: “We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?”
Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: “If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.”
What challenges lie ahead of you? What roads would you be willing to go down if you knew you would not fail? God has given to us so many places in his Word to cling to when we are faced with a trial or challenge that is bigger than we are able to handle. In the first chapter of the book of Joshua, Joshua was faced with an incredible task which was to take over as leader of the nation of Israel. I am sure he had much anxiety knowing he would have to fill Moses shoes. Joshua would be following one of the greatest leaders in the history of the world. The Lord came to Joshua and spoke to him these words in Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded you be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
We can also take great comfort in these words. During the times of our lives when fear has surrounded us, He shows to us that we can have courage because He is on our side. I am reminded of Paul the apostle, when faced with an overwhelming challenge, penned these words, “For when I am weak then He is strong.” Perhaps God places these trials and challenges before us to see if we know who to run to in the midst of adversity. He wants us to rely on Him for all of our needs. He wants us to trust Him when the way before us is dimly lit. He wants us to follow Him with faith knowing He will not lead us astray. We may find ourselves in the situation where we cannot see the hand of God, but we know and can always trust that he has our best interests at his heart. You and I can have the courage needed to face the challenges before us. All that we need is readily available in Jesus Christ. We must run toward him and then go forward with Him and face the obstacles and challenges with courage and conviction.
Don’t let obstacles keep you from moving forward. Jesus is looking for people who will be willing to venture into uncharted territories and face whatever lies ahead.
Be a trailblazer for God!
“We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided.” —Phillips Brooks
September 8, 2007 at 1:09 am
I love this statement: “All that we need is readily available in Jesus Christ”. So true.
Good to read your thoughts again
September 8, 2007 at 2:41 am
Hi Amy,
This is a another good post and all of us need the encouragement to just when we face adversities all ways look to Him first.
When I was growing up a familiar saying I heard often when starting a new project ” Ok lets make something happen ” and that is the way God wants us to be and He will guide us along !
Blessings and see you Sunday .
Ron.
September 9, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I love the wisdom of Dr.Livingstone. So much info specifically related to his mission can also be applied directly to our day to day Christian experience.
September 10, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Wow, what a great post!
Thanks so much for pointing all this out again. I tend to forget it too easily at times.
Many blessing to y’all.
God’s Grace.
September 10, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Thanks, Christy. I think things are finally slowing down slightly. I hope to begin posting more often. I have been enjoying your posts also.
Bro. Ron, that is so true. I think he wants us to take that first step of faith. He is waiting to help us in what he has called us to do. Thanks for stopping by.
sista cala, welcome! I agree with your comment. We have many great men and women who we can look to for an example of surrendered Christian. God has blessed us with a wonderful Christian heritage. Thanks for commenting. Come back anytime.
Corry, It’s great to have you around. We both have been busy of late. I have enjoyed reading your posts. They are an encouragement to me. Thanks for your encouragement here. God’s grace to you also.
September 10, 2007 at 8:37 pm
i stopped by the other day and saw that you had a new post up. You are such a good writer, and, of course, you have a good subject.
Last night at church we had a hymn sing for the “old folks” and sang old songs that are sometimes forgotten. Most of them were about the name of Jesus. What a sweet time it was.
September 11, 2007 at 12:33 am
This is great stuff! Might have to read that again next time a trial comes along. I’ve missed your blog, Amy. Keep on blogging about Jesus Christ!!
September 11, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Beverly, Thanks so much for all the encouragement. It means a lot. It is wonderful when we can sing the old hymns of the faith. They have such great doctrine. I stopped by your blog and saw the latest picture. She is toooooo cute!:)
Sarah, Great to “see” you. I am sorry about the absence. Things have been in high gear through the summer and the beginning of school. Hopefully, we are on a more even kilter. Hope you have a great week.