I continue to read, A Table in the Presence, by Carey H. Cash. This passage from chapter two jumped out in contrast to popular culture and really moved me as well:
“If my father was the star of the family, my mother was without a doubt the quiet hero. She demonstrated a love for Dad that always made his absences bearable. In thirty years of naval service, his deployments added up to almost fourteen years. It would have been easy for her to grow bitter and to project a negative image in front of us impressionable kids. But she never did. She learned early on to take her hurts and worries to God in prayer.
And she prayed for us.
Each morning before heading out the door for school, I would tear off a calendar Scripture verse for the day, wad it up in my pocket, and whenever needed, pull it out and read it. Every year, before the first day of school, Mom would sit down for hours and write a little one sentence note under each day’s Scripture verse for the coming year. It was usually something simple, like “Praying for you today, son,” or “Don’t forget He’s right with you, wherever you go.”
My mother prayed for Dad, Kellye, and me every single day of our lives. It was not uncommon for me to find her awake before the sun came up, pouring out her heart and soul to heaven. I’m sure there were many nights when my mother’s heart broke in loneliness. But because of her love for Dad and her confidence that he was where God needed him to be, my life as a military son was full of peace, security, and pride.
For me, this amounted to an understanding of being called to something greater than myself. My father was called by God to serve his nation. My mother was called by God to raise Kellye and me, and to support Dad’s mission in life. There was no competition between the two callings. It was a seamless union of respect, love, and mutual support, making any sacrifice we experienced as children bearable and worthy of our best behavior. Our family life wasn’t always easy, but deep within my own heart, my parents were my heroes.”
Later...
After much trial and tribulation, the Israelites finally cross over into the Promised Land. They were able to cross the Jordan River which was flooded, because God, Himself, backed the river up and caused it to stop flowing until all had crossed.
Joshua 1:5: Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you.
1:6
Be determined and confident, for you will be the leader of these people as they occupy this land which I promised their ancestors.
1:7
Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go.
1:8
Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
1:9
Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go."
Wow, over and over again, God commanded Joshua to be determined and confident! And I can see why. If God be for you, who dare be against you? (Like Paul says).
Joshua 4:13: In the presence of the Lord about forty thousand men ready for war crossed over to the plain near Jericho.
Joshua 10:8: The Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them. I have already given you the victory. Not one of them will be able to stand against you."
Joshua 10:42: Joshua conquered all these kings and their territory in one campaign because the Lord, Israel's God, was fighting for Israel.
Amazing. Finally the Israelites make it into the Promised Land, only to have to fight their way through hoards of enemies (some of whom were giants!) to take possession of the land! But God was with them and fought for them... So the Israelites were completely victorious, and the Promised Land was theirs at last!
