Crossover 2020

A few hours ago, celebrations were held with parties, church services, and family dinners, In preparation to crossover into 2020, I did some reflections over this past decade. The common revelation was that fear has hindered me in several areas of my life. As I think about crossing over, I’m reminded of several accounts in the Bible where people were faced with fear at some point during the crossover. The first person that comes to mind is Joshua. Moses, a great leader, had died and Joshua was to be his predecessor. Have you ever been in a position where you were being groomed to be the next in charge, and when the opportunity came, you didn’t feel prepared? This has happened to me on several occasions, and my first response was fear. Joshua 1:1-9 gives the account of Joshua being informed of his new assignment. Several times throughout this passage he is told to “be of good courage” or “don’t be afraid”. Although Joshua never stated that he was afraid, God knew that the thought of filling Moses’ shoes would bring a level of fear and anxiety, so He encouraged him by reminding him that he was not crossing over alone. Perhaps you’re feeling alone at the end of this year and possibly have some anxiety about what 2020 has in store. Take comfort in these words spoken to Joshua:

"Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 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.”

I don’t know about you, but those words give me courage. The gentle reminder that God is with us should be enough for us to take that first step. To crossover means we are going forward from one place to another. As we crossover into 2020, we can’t take fear with us. Resolve to leave fear in 2019. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We can move into 2020 with the power of God to set the trajectory for this new decade. Peter taught us this in Matthew 14:22-31. Jesus had told the disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side. He went ahead of them to pray. While they were in the boat, a storm came. Jesus saw them struggling to remain afloat and walked on the water towards the boat. When they initially saw Him, they thought He was a ghost and were afraid. Once He identified himself, Peter said if it’s really you, tell me to come. Jesus told him to come and he immediately stepped out of the boat and walked on water. If you’re familiar with this account, you know that Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. But Jesus didn’t let him sink. He grabbed his hand, lifted him up, and reminded him that it is faith that kept him on the water.

Why am I sharing this?

In 2020, no matter the uncertainty, no matter the storms of 2019, we must follow the example of Jesus and take some time to pray. Then, after we have prayed and received instructions, we can step out of faith. We must consistently focus on God through his Word and prayer; we must be confident that God hears and answers (Mark 11:22-24); Then, we will conquer. Check out the video here for more detail!

Start 2020 strong! Be obedient! Be consistent! Be confident! Conquer!

Be blessed, but first comes obedience!

Rev. Robin