“Have I not commanded you? 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)
I remember the first time I experienced zero visibility on the mountain. I was a beginner snowboarder, riding Mt Perisher in Australia. My friends and I took the chair up to the highest point on the mountain. We’d left the bottom of the hill with pretty clear conditions, however, at the top of the mountain was a different story–zero visibility. The conditions were rubbish and I couldn’t see more than a couple of feet in front of me. A friend, who was more experienced than me, was wearing a fluro green jacket, so our strategy was to keep him in front, stay close and follow him down the mountain. I had to muster every ounce of courage I had. Honestly, it was terrifying.
That was over a decade ago. Now it is 2020. We are a few weeks in, and as you look into the year ahead, how’s your visibility? How’s your vision? Can you see what God has in store for you over the next 12 months? I know for me, I look ahead and I see no plan, limited vision, and zero direction. And like being on a mountain with zero visibility, it can be pretty terrifying.
When Moses passed on the baton, Joshua knew he would lead God’s people into the Promised Land. But let’s be honest, his visibility of what was ahead of him wasn’t great. He may as well have been wearing fogged up goggles! However, the God who called him is also the God who promised to walk with him, regards of what Joshua can see. What did God require of Joshua? To muster some bravery and step confidently with God, trusting that God knew what the future held.
As we step into a new year, God calls us to trust Him the way that Joshua did. Regardless of our current visibility, which, like on the mountain, can change so quickly. One minute our plans seem clear and the next minute–zero visibility. Not being able to see what’s ahead is scary. But as followers of the highest King, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that our God has a way planned for us. He might not be in a fluro green jacket, but he knows the way and he will guide you to safety. Let’s be brave dear friends, and let’s trust Him with our 2020; even if it means trusting Him when we have zero visibility.
CHALLENGE
When you look into 2020 what can you see? What are God’s plans for you this year?
What does it look like to “be strong and courageous” in the next 12 months? What is God asking you to step into with Him?
What can you do to actively trust God when you have zero visibility?
By Anna Schrafft | New South Wales, Australia