Reading Joshua 1:1-9 with a focus on verses 7 & 9. Pleasantly surprised when my verse of the day popped up to the book of Joshua, Chapter 1 opens with God passing the mantle of leadership to Joshua after Moses’ death. God tells Joshua to lead His people into the land where He promised to them. Verse 7 tells Joshua to be strong and courageous and to stay on the path outlined for him (paraphrasing). I’ve read this chapter many times. Heard it preached many times. But missed these words: “do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left,” (Joshua 1:7 NKJV). It dawned on me as I read it that the words God used the word hand. Staying on the path of God means that I don’t take matters into my own hands. Neither your works by your right hand or your left hand will satisfy you. They cannot prosper you. Even with good intentions, straying from the path God has provided for you will destroy or delay what He has given to you. Sometimes we think it is our job to help God with our lives. NOT!!! Being a disciple means doing what the Lord says when He says no matter what. Yesterday, as we opened gifts, my son noticed a box under the tree. It was addressed to Hubby. For the past two years, God has directed me to buy a Christmas gift for my husband. Those that know me know I’m not even dating anyone seriously. So, why would I buy a gift for someone that doesn’t exist? Oh, but I say to you that he does. Not because I creed it but because the Lord said so. Why else would He have me buying gifts for a man that I do not know. When He told me last year, I thought it was strange. This year, I thought I was off the hook, until He put a particular gift into my mind just as I was celebrating that I didn’t have to buy one. Yes, God has a sense of humor. But pay attention here. Just as in the scripture He tells us to be strong and courageous. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). My journey of singleness is not sent to discourage me, nor should I feel anxiety of what I have not seen. One of the ministers at my church would tell you, “A promise is a promise” (thank you Minister Tomika Miller). What God has promised will come in due season. The children of Israel walked in the wilderness for 40 years, but the land promised to them on their Exodus from Egypt was always there. Today, I encourage you to be strong and courageous. Don’t waver on the promises of God. Don’t take matters into your own hands least your will wander in the wilderness for years and years to come. Trust in the Lord in all things and don’t think because it hasn’t manifested that it won’t. In the next few days, many people will make resolutions for the upcoming year. Here is the only resolution that I have made: to be strong and courageous not wavering, not thinking that because I haven’t seen it doesn’t mean that it won’t come to pass, not believing the whispers in the wind that tell me I’m not worth it, not giving in, but standing firm in the Word of the Lord, my God for He spoke life into the earth and if He can create this world then He can surely and has already manifested my tomorrow. Be A Blessing and Not Just Blessed Nakya