Moses is instructing and encouraging Joshua on the difficulties of being a leader. He prepares Joshua by giving him six assurances; these assurances are found in the book of Deuteronomy 31:8.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)

The first assurance Moses gave Joshua was “do not be afraid”. Never allow fear to stop you from completing your tasks. The second assurance was don’t be “discouraged”. To be discouraged is to lose confidence or enthusiasm. The third assurance, God will lead and “go ahead of you” to deal with all of your enemies. The fourth assurance, God will never leave you. No matter how dark the valley He will be there with you. The fifth assurance is God will never fail you!

The sixth and final assurance: God will not leave or “abandon you!” God is not like some men who abandon their families when times are difficult. God promised Joshua that He would never abandon him. This same promise is made to those who are committed and sold out to Jesus. Look at what Paul wrote in Hebrews 13:5, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” (MSG)

What a powerful assurance from God. Rest in the knowledge that He never abandons or leaves those that He loves.

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott