It’s been almost five years since I served as an assistant pastor. I’ve kept busy during that time, but haven’t had the same amount of time to devote to study, discipleship, or writing. Now as I consider what the Lord would have for my future, various thoughts have crossed my mind. Am I ready for a return to pastoring? Is this what God would want me to do? What ministry opportunities would my specific talents/gifts be suitable for? Will the future include failure?

God knows the answers to these questions. And as I was reading a Bible commentary this evening, I think he wanted to encourage me with these words regarding Joshua 1:8-9:

“Let not the sense of thine own infirmities dishearten thee; God is all-sufficient. I have commanded, called, and commissioned thee to do it, and will be sure to bear thee out in it. When we are in the way of duty, we have reason to be strong and very bold.”

—Matthew Henry

Joshua didn’t know exactly what the future would hold for him and the people he had been called to lead. But he did have the confidence that God would be with him as he followed God’s leading. The same is true for me and any other servant of the Lord. If God leads to a certain field of service, he will be there to strengthen and encourage no matter what the future holds. That is my confidence.