Fear of New Things!

New things can be scary! No matter how much we want things to change in our lives, when the time to change arrives we are usually afraid. We really don't like change! We fear new things! I know I want God to do new and improved things in my life, but the moment I have to step out and try the new thing I can be a real wimp.

I was reading in the book of Joshua today about how Joshua had to take over after Moses died. Joshua had been intern for many years, but all of a sudden he is the man in charge. He had big shoes to fill and new responsibilities that went with them. Things were never going to be the same again and that was OK. God had new things planned!

One great story, that is found in the 3rd chapter of Joshua, is about the Israelites crossing the Jordan river. If you remember the crossing of the Red Sea with Moses...think Charlton Heston and the 10 Commandments here...Moses held up his staff and God parted the sea and they crossed over on dry ground. Pretty cool and they didn't have to get wet.

Fast forward to Joshua and the Jordan river...God tells the new man in charge...cross the Jordan River. Joshua...just have your men take the ark of the covenant and walk down to the river and when they get there have them walk right out into the water and stand in the middle and I'll take care of the rest.

If I was Joshua I'd be thinking...hey the Jordan is at flood level and you want me to send men out into the water and THEN you'll take care of it. What if they drop the ark? How about if I just do what Moses did and hold a staff over the river and you part the water?

But God had new things planned and Joshua had to take some risks. It wasn't until the men touched the water that the river parted and the people were able to cross. It was when they were committed...when they were obedient...then God did what He said He would do.

So do you want God to do something new in your life? Great...it may require taking some risks. I may take you being committed before you see how it will all work out.

If you want to read some more about risk taking and succeeding at new things, why not read the book of Joshua. His life was all about trying new things and taking risks.