Devotion: Graduation
Please take a moment to read Joshua 1:5-9
Graduation is an extraordinary time! Many of you know someone near to you that is graduating, or maybe you, dear reader, are crossing over to a new role as Joshua is in today’s scripture. For me, it has been 50 years since I graduated from Midland Lutheran College. As Pastor Sarah pointed out in her children’s message Sunday, that makes me wiser (also known as older)! Ha!
When I started college, I was a small town girl, going off to a brand new place, without a car, cell phone, computer, money or a friend. Yes, you can survive without these things, but it isn’t easy. Three times God tells Joshua to be strong and have courage and He would be with him. Many of us need to be told that multiple times to register what is being said. We might feel like we have conquered the world, but then we must take that next step into the unknown. As a freshman at Midland, I was a Methodist with Lutherans everywhere I looked! I wish someone had reminded me of those words of encouragement, but luckily, those good Lutherans surrounded me with kindness and friendship. And I could feel God’s presence. Like Joshua, I had my doubts about trusting people I didn’t know well. The Israelites were all used to Moses’ way. But with God on his side, nothing was impossible.
Courage is a tough trait, it calls for resiliency, belief in yourself. I knew I was strong, all those years on the farm had given me muscles, but the kind of strength I needed was to be confident in myself. That takes time and experiences to shape you. Joshua saw the challenges his people needed to survive. God talks directly to him and reassures him that he is the right guy for the job. If you have time, read the rest of this book and you will be amazed at what God does for his people through Joshua!
So as your graduate goes out into the world, encourage them with God’s words, “Be strong and brave…God will not abandon you!” Even as a 50 year graduate, I still need to hear those words. Finally, after accomplishing his job, Joshua says in Joshua 24:15-“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That is the calling we all must fulfill.
Let us pray:
Dear God, thank you for all the opportunities you give us to serve. Give us strength and courage to face an unknown future. We know You are with us always. Amen
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 8-13 with newborn twins expected soon. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!