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Is God In Control?

Is God In Control?   

After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” JOSHUA 1:1-9 NLT

No matter who is in charge, God is always in control

After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. JOSHUA 1:1 NLT

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed… The One enthroned in heaven laughs; PSALM 2:1-2, 4 TNIV

He left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. HEBREWS 2:8 ESV

We do not see it all, but it’s all under God’s control.

No matter what happens, God has a plan

He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you…’” JOSHUA 1:2-3 NLT

God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ— which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. EPHESIANS 1:9-10 TNIV

No matter how alone I feel, God is always with me

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. JOSHUA 1:4-5 NLT

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18 TNIV

No matter what everyone else is doing, God calls me to obey.

Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  JOSHUA 1:6-8 NLT

Some people are led by…

Christians are called to be led by God’s word.

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” LUKE 6:46 NLT

No matter how scary things get, God calls me to be brave  

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.  JOSHUA 1:9 NLT

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 PETER 1:10 ESV

He (JESUS) laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. REVELATION 1:17 NLT

Questions from this message?
Send them to Pastor Matt at move.sc/ask

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place and ask God to help you to become calm in your thoughts and feelings. When you sense you are ready, invite him to guide your time together. Pray for him to help you reflect on the challenges you are facing during this season of your life. Ask God to help you discern which challenge disturbs you the most. Ask yourself, “What do my feelings show regarding what I trust to be true about God in this situation? What  makes it difficult for me to be strong and courageous?” Pray for his help to overcome each of the obstacles you identify. Recall a time in which you faced a major challenge and how he helped you through it. Thank him specifically for what he did. Think about the fact that God is in control and always with you. Imagine what it would be like if you met this difficulty with his strength and courage. Share your thoughts and feelings with him and listen to what he wants you to do to obey him. Ask him to show you a specific action he wants you to take this week to better meet your challenge in his strength. Tell someone you trust about this experience when God enables you to take action.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Joshua 1:1-4. In what ways does the fact that God is in control bring you peace during this election season?
  3. When have you seen the principle of “God is in control, no matter who is in charge” play out in your own life - particularly with people who have had authority over you (politicians, employers, teachers, parents, etc.)?
  4. Read Joshua 1:5. In what practical ways can you show loyalty to the people God has placed in your life, regardless of your differing opinions or political views? 
  5. Read Joshua 1:6-8. While we may not be in control of everything like God is, we can control our obedience to his commands. Which one of God’s commands or instructions do you need to obey more closely in this current season?
  6. Read Joshua 1:9. Where are you feeling afraid or discouraged in your life right now and what practical steps can you take to tap into the strength and courage God provides?