Obedience is an uncomfortable word today. We admire independence, approve marching to one’s own drum, and applaud those who follow their heart. So when we enter new territory in response to God’s direction, our obedience is not always understood or respected. Obeying makes us followers, compliers, responders—and our success will depend on absolute faith in the One we follow. Remaining close to Him will give us strength and courage. Note the descriptive added in Joshua 1:7.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey… do not turn from it to the right or to the left,
that you may be successful wherever you go.”
Be careful. We cannot plunge into the great unknown carelessly. Forward movement calls for focused vision that doesn’t veer to the right or left. This is not only true of the primary goal before us, but includes having a heart submissive to God’s wisdom and ways.
If we think this is easy, we’re wrong. If we think our fervency will protect us, it won’t. If we think zeal will keep us from falling, we’re wrong again. If, however, we realize the One we follow will bring us through and stay close to Him, we will be successful… “wherever we go.”
BARBARA HIGBY 