“See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

— Deuteronomy 1:21

One morning, while looking out my kitchen window, I observed my neighbor’s two sons, ages 8 and 10, playing in their backyard. The older boy jumped across a gap from one wooden landscape log to another. He tried again and fell, but he got back up. With his brother watching, he looked back at how far he had jumped. He paused. I imagined he needed the courage to make another jump. He jumped again and landed safely on the log again.

Moses reminded God’s people of their history. God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, and given them victory over other nations. They were assured of God’s guidance and protection in preparation for entering the promised land. They did not need to fear what was ahead of them, even though there were reports of powerful enemies and even giant warriors in the land. God would go before them and fight their battles.

We too may need a reminder of our past failures and victories in order to have the courage to follow God. His faithfulness will propel us into our future. We can look back and see what God has already done. God has a plan already marked out for us, so we can trust, follow, and step out in faith.

Almighty God, give me the courage to trust and follow you, even when I cannot see my way forward. My past, present, and future are in your hands; you will always go before me. Amen.