Joshua 1:8

It's near the end of May. Most colleges and universities have finished their graduation ceremonies. Many high schools are preparing to have their commencements in the next few weeks. Even junior highs, middle schools, and Kindergarten classes around the country are preparing to send their students off to the next phase of education. 

It was about this time of year, practically a decade ago, that I felt the need to have a special talk with one of my 8th grade science classes. This group of students was unique - it was my smallest class, only 23, with just four or five boys. Most of the remaining 18-19 were girls were popular among their peers; a few of the other young ladies hadn't yet socially blossomed. 

As what tends to happen every few years or so, I grew particularly fond of this group. And the talk that I decided to have with them came from a place in my heart that desperately desired for them to remember not the science lessons that I had taught them, but the message of staying true to themselves, not getting wrapped up in the peer pressure that would undoubtedly make itself known the first day of 9th grade. I wanted to remind them to be kind to each other; to keep in mind that friendships ebb and flow with changing interests; that they have the inner strength to do the right thing even when it's really tempting to just go along with everyone else. I wanted them to remember that they were smart and independent young people who could think for themselves and that they had a voice to share with those who would listen. 

I think I may have cried talking to these students. 

Thanks to Facebook, I'm "friends" with a few of the girls in that class. A couple of them are now young mothers and it's amazing to see how they are raising their own children. And whether or not the speech I gave them 10 years left an impression on them, they definitely left a mark on my heart. 

As I was memorizing and meditating on Joshua 1:8, this memory was brought to mind. Just like I had desired to give those young people one last encouragement before entering the sometimes scary halls of high school, God was encouraging Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites, to remember all of the things that he had learned by studying the Book of the Law. Joshua was about to enter into some battles and the opportunities to turn back and return to the wilderness would look mighty tempting at times. 

But God promises only what He can promise to Joshua and all 12 tribes - prosperity and success if, and only if, they follow God's lead.

There isn't much difference for you and I. God's promises of prosperity and success are still on the table, if we have a submissive and obedient mindset. 

May we always remain students of Scripture and may those lessons always be something that we recall in our daily living. 

Blessings <3,
-bethany.