Life is a series of transitions. Some we see coming. Others hit us like a storm in the night. But in every change, God remains steady, faithful, and true. That’s why the story of Joshua and Caleb isn’t just ancient history—it’s a guide for navigating seasons of loss, leadership, and legacy with courage and trust.
Before Joshua could step into his calling as Israel’s leader, God made something very clear: Moses was gone. That reminder may seem harsh, but it was necessary. Many people get stuck in the present because they haven’t fully dealt with their past. Unprocessed grief, lingering wounds, and unresolved change can keep us from moving forward. God never rushes us through grief, but he does call us to process it well. Mourning isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s evidence that something mattered deeply. So, what does it look like to grieve in a way that allows us to embrace the next season?
First, it means giving yourself permission to feel the loss. Ignoring pain doesn’t make it disappear; it just buries it deeper. Acknowledge it, but don’t camp there. Next, hold onto hope. God never leads us into endings without preparing new beginnings. And finally, process change before you attempt to charge into what’s next. Healing doesn’t happen in a hurry, but it does happen in the hands of a faithful God.
God’s Provision in New Seasons
Israel had spent decades gathering manna off the ground, a daily reminder that God was their provider. But the moment they entered the Promised Land, the manna stopped. No more free meals. Now, they had to work the land. Was God being unfair? Not at all! He was teaching them that provision changes, but his faithfulness does not.
Some of us panic when familiar sources dry up. Maybe it’s a job loss, a transition in relationships, or a shift in how God is working in our lives. But just because provision looks different doesn’t mean God has left us. In fact, growth often requires us to shift from receiving miracles to partnering with God in the work. New seasons demand new trust, and trust is always the foundation of a faith-filled life.
The Role of Older Believers
Caleb was 85 years old when he asked for his next assignment. No retirement plan. No rocking chair. Just a fire in his heart to keep taking ground for God’s kingdom. In a culture obsessed with youth, Caleb stands as a reminder that experience and wisdom are gifts, not expiration dates.
The kingdom of God has never been about sidelines. If you’ve been walking with Jesus for decades, the next generation needs you. Your prayers, your counsel, your presence—they matter. We don’t get to age out of purpose. The church thrives when every generation links arms and moves forward together.
Choosing Whom We Serve
Joshua’s famous challenge—“Choose this day whom you will serve”—wasn’t just for the Israelites. It’s for us, every single day. Because here’s the truth: we all serve something. There are no neutral worshipers. We either devote our lives to God or we let lesser things—success, approval, comfort—steal our allegiance.
Faithfulness isn’t a one-time decision—far from it. It’s a daily choice. And daily choices build the trajectory of a lifetime. So how do we stay focused? By building habits that anchor us—prayer, Scripture, worship, community. By recognizing that distraction is the enemy of devotion. By refusing to let passivity make our choices for us. If we don’t actively choose God, something else will choose us.
What’s Your Next Step?
This week, take a moment to reflect: Have you fully processed past losses, or are they still holding you back? How is God shifting his provision in this season? What territory—literal or spiritual—is he asking you to step into, regardless of your age? And what daily rhythms will keep you anchored in your decision to serve him?
God is faithful in every season. Our job? Keep trusting him, keep moving forward, and keep saying yes to the next thing he has for us.
I love being your pastor—
Brady
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