“There’s not a lot of detail here.”
Pastor Dave Phillips pointed out Sunday that with Joshua’s charge from the Lord before entering the Promised Land came a wealth of instruction: “Be strong and courageous”… “Be careful to obey all the law”… “Meditate on it day and night”… “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” He also received some staggering promises: “You will lead these people to inherit the land”… “You will be prosperous and successful”… “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
What he didn’t get was a clear picture of how all this was going to happen. Of the timetable involved, the investment required, or the level of opposition they would face. Joshua didn’t even get a preparation checklist or an overall battle strategy or a campaign agenda.
To bring the situation home to Erie, Pa., it was rather like driving in a heavy snowstorm. Somewhere along the way, novices learn that high beams are of no use when the flakes are falling thick and fast. In fact, they’re downright dangerous. High beams only highlight the frenetic activity swirling about the headlights, pulling the driver’s attention away from the road and highway signs and other vehicles, and lure him off the road or into oncoming traffic.
If Joshua had switched on his high beams as God was talking, he would have seen a swirl of “if’s” and “but’s.” He would have been besieged by unanswered questions and logistical concerns. He would have been inundated by personal doubts and overwhelmed by the immensity of the undertaking. It was a time for low beams. For just listening to what God had said (without putting words in His mouth), taking it in simple faith, acting on it in simple obedience, waiting for His more specific direction, trusting His timing. No panic. No overplanning. No demand for details. Low beams.
That’s a good response for FAC in this transition time, too. We know we’re in an unexpected patch of weather here, but let’s not hit the high beams in an attempt to see further ahead. There are too many unknowns flying about, and we’ll just become disoriented. Better to throttle back on velocity (throttle up on faith) and switch to the low beams. Better to look through, not at, the swirl of deadly possibilities, focusing our eyes instead on the One Who said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” The Shepherd of the flock. Our OnStar Guide. The One Who takes full responsibility for our well-being through this “storm,” if we just stay focused on Him.
Low beams. High faith. We’ll get there in one piece, and maybe even enjoy the journey!
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