For you have not passed this way before

This past Sunday, I wrote my husband the following letter and I asked him to read it this morning - after he got into his car to begin his drive to Chattanooga, TN.

Dear Tom:
As the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so God made you to cling to HIM that you might be for Him a man for His renown, praise, and glory. So, as you embark on this great work for the Lord, I pray you will cling to God and guard your love for the Lord above all else. As God sent Joshua into the promise land to take possession of all God would give to him and to God’s people, He knew that Joshua had never done anything like that before and God would require Joshua to be totally dependent upon Him. In fact, it would require that Joshua cling to God. Joshua would need to listen, obey and be very careful “to do.” I believe the instructions given to Joshua relate to you, your calling and the days ahead. So I pray them for you and pray that these truths give you direction, strength and confidence. I have personalized the following verses and included a few key Hebrew definitions! They are from Joshua 1, 3 and 22.

> Arise and go...I have called you. No man will be able to stand against you. Just as I was with Moses (and Joshua) I will be with you and will not fail (slacken my grip on you) or forsake (loosen, relinquish) you. Be strong (to be bound fast; attached to) and courageous (alert physically, mentally) for you shall accomplish this work. Only be strong (to be bound fast; attached to) and VERY courageous (alert physically, mentally); be careful to do according to all the law...do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success (the process of thinking through a complex arrangement of thoughts resulting in wise dealings and use of good practical common sense) wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous (bring success) and then you will have success (the process of thinking through a complex arrangement of thoughts resulting in wise dealings and use of good practical common sense).
> Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble (dread, fear, break, be terrified) or be dismayed (shattered, broken, fall apart) for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go....go possess the ministry which the Lord your God is giving you to possess it. (1:5-9)
> ....for you have not passed this way before (3:4)
> Consecrate yourself (set yourself apart for this holy work), for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." (3:5)
> ...but you are to cling to the Lord (22:8)
> ...take diligent heed to yourself to love the Lord your God (23:11)

I love you with all of my heart.