I recently attended a cross-country track meet so that I could cheer on my teenage daughter, who is well on her way to becoming a successful athlete. In a cross-country meet, the parents and families of the runners stand at different parts of the course and cheer their loved ones on. Then, everyone rushes to the finish line to yell like crazy, hoping that the support will give the runners an extra 'push' across the finish line. It's great fun!

At this meet, the course was in a very hilly location. At the first station, all the parents yelled out support for the kids as they ran by, and then, in 2-3 minutes, there were a couple of stragglers who were far behind the pack. They were giving it all they had, but it was apparent they weren't doing well! We all felt sorry for them and wanted to encourage them, so we all yelled like crazy for the stragglers far behind the pack. We could only hope that our cheers and volume would help them somehow!

I am always surprised when I hear athletes say that the cheers of the crowd really do make a difference. I have even heard professional athletes say that the cheers of the crowd make them feel better and more capable and even encourage them to try harder, especially when they are up against formidable athletes—it really helps!

There is a story in the Old Testament that demonstrates how God worked to help a leader of the Hebrew people, Joshua. Moses had led the people in the wilderness and was no longer with them. God called Joshua to lead the people after Moses' death. In Joshua 1, we see the way God called Joshua into what would be a very dangerous and difficult task. He explained that Joshua was to take the people across the Jordan River, lead them to conquer the people of the Promised Land and take the land for God's people. It was terrifying! But God knew what Joshua needed: God told him that He would be with them every step of the way and give them victory over the pagan leaders of the land. And God did something very much like what I did for my granddaughter as she raced across the countryside: He cheered Joshua on and encouraged him in the task.

The way God did this was very simple: Speaking to a man about to embark upon a difficult task, he said, three separate times, the phrase: "Be strong and courageous." Let me give you a shortened version of God's encouragement: "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people to take the land for their own." V.6: "Be strong and courageous, and be careful to obey my commands." V.7 Finally, God said, "Be strong and courageous, and don't be afraid because I will always be with you." V.9

God was encouraging Joshua, just like we were encouraging the runners in the race: "Come on, you can do it!" "Push harder, you're doing great!" finally, "Don't give up, you're almost there!" The difference, though, is that we gave the kids moral support. At the same time, God taught Joshua essential life lessons that would carry him through dark and challenging days. "I will be with you;" "Don't give up; I will help you do this." Finally, "Do what I tell you, and you will be fine."

The message for us is simple as we endeavor to live our lives of faith: "God is with us, and he will help us, every day, and in every way." And, finally, "Trust God to help you, and trust him with your life."

Let me encourage you to hear God's word, which speaks often of faith and obedience. Trust God with your life, and lethim use you and help you daily.

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