This is probably a familiar verse for some of you.

Maybe you learned it in Sunday school, or at camp, or maybe when you went on a trip – as a reminder that God goes with us.
And that’s not bad, in fact, it’s never bad to remember God goes with us when we travel.
It’s not horrible to be reminded that God isn’t just in a church building on Sunday mornings.

But if you take this little section in context, it’s a bit bigger.

At the start of the book of Joshua, Moses has just died, and we find God calling Joshua to step into the role vacated by Moses and lead the people of Israel.

Can you imagine what Joshua is feeling at that moment?
His friend and mentor has just died and he’s expected to do what?
It’s heart-wrenching and terrifying at the same time.
Not only is Joshua dealing with his grief (which is hard enough), he’s also now dealing with this mantle of responsibility that has just been placed on his shoulders.
It’s a lot.

It’s too much.

Have you ever felt like Joshua?
Have you ever felt like just saying:

“It’s too much God.
You’re asking too much.

I can’t do anything more.”

Believe it or not, in our baptisms, we were given this same promise.
God is with us.

God will never leave us.

Does that mean, like Joshua, we won’t grieve the loss of someone we love?

Does that mean we won’t wonder how we can do what God is calling us to do?
No.

What it does mean is that we’re not alone.
We don’t grieve alone.

We don’t struggle alone.

We don’t do anything alone.

God is always with us.
Whatever happens. Wherever we go.

It’s a promise that I hope you hear today.

So be strong and courageous.
And go with God.

You are not alone.