The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.”
Numbers 27:18 (NLT)

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READ: Numbers 27:15–23; Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:9

Have you ever helped a child learn to ride a bike? Or do you remember learning to ride a bike yourself? For many of us, adjustable training wheels were secured to our bike’s back tire to help us stay upright. At first, our training wheels were set even with the ground, so the bike wouldn’t wobble; then, as we got better at balancing and peddling, the wheels were raised, encouraging us to balance the bike on our own. Eventually, the training wheels were removed altogether, and a parent simply ran along beside us, holding onto the back of our bike seat, just in case. After a few runs, mom or dad let go and suddenly, we were riding a two-wheeler on our own, our proud parents looking on.

Throughout 40 years of wandering in the desert, Moses had been Joshua’s “training wheels,” his sole mentor and guide—the one he had served and trusted. When Moses declared he would not be crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land —and that Joshua would be Israel’s new leader (Deuteronomy 31:2)—how must Joshua have felt? Were his spiritual training wheels being removed too soon?

Perhaps recalling his own experience of leading the Israelites, Moses knew just what Joshua needed to hear: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). This was Joshua’s commissioning—the moment in which Moses let go of Joshua’s bike seat and God watched on with confidence in the man He had commissioned.

Moses’ promise to Joshua, “[God] will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6) holds true for us today. God has commissioned us as His ambassadors in a hostile world, and He will never leave us or forsake us. He stays right there beside us, holding onto us lest we fall. As you continue through Next is Now, be curious: where is God leading you in this season? Pray for God’s guidance over the next eight weeks! Wherever He leads, may you step out courageously like Joshua, confident that God goes with you.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

From Troublemaker to Leader | David Temfwe | Executive Director, Jubilee Centre, Zambia—a Willow Creek Global Partner

I still remember stepping onto the grounds of that elite boarding school, surrounded by wealth, tradition, and a strict Christian code of conduct. I was there on a scholarship for missionary kids and I felt completely out of place. I rebelled hard, pushing boundaries, resisting the system. It all came to a head when I got into a fight with a kid whose parents had significant influence. Called into the principal’s office, I was sure I would be expelled. It felt like the end.

But Mr. Cowling, the principal, saw something in me. Instead of expelling me, he suspended me—putting his job and reputation on the line as he offered me a second chance. That moment cracked something open inside me. During my suspension back at home, I spent long nights talking with my father—wrestling with who I was, what I believed, and what I wanted my life to mean. Mr. Cowling’s grace planted in me a seed of hope.

When I returned to school, I left my old persona behind. I sought Jesus with all of my heart, began growing in character, and found myself genuinely transformed. I became a school prefect and got involved in community outreach. During one community visit, I prayed with an elderly man who gave his life to Christ. That moment left a permanent mark on me. Eventually, I was baptized, and on that day I felt something shift—like God was commissioning me for something greater.

By graduation, I received the award for the most well-rounded student. When I walked up to receive the award, my dad literally jumped into the aisle and started to dance with more joy than I can put into words. He gave me the biggest hug and told me he was proud of the man I was becoming. His words still sound as clear in my memory today as the day he uttered them. From suspended troublemaker to spiritual leader, God met me right where I was, and His grace changed everything.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the military, a commission is a formal document signed by (or in the name of) a head of state, appointing someone to a higher office or granting them authority to act on behalf of that office. When God commissioned Moses—and later Joshua—the Ultimate Head of State extended His leadership to them. When we sense God commissioning us today for a new role, He entrusts us with the responsibility of leading His mission forward.

A PRAYER

Father God, You commissioned Joshua for his next assignment and remained with him in his new role. Help me remember You will do the same for me. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

As you consider your current season of life, where do you sense God leading you? How have you seen Him guide you in that direction?

Spend some time in quiet reflection. Write out a prayer of expectation for the remaining weeks of this Next is Now experience.