As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Joshua 1:5).

When faced with the challenge of new responsibility in our lives, we are apt to think that we cannot manage as well as those who have gone before us. It is no different when it is our turn to face the challenge of suffering, old age or even death. Those who have gone before us managed well, we think, but, as for us, how shall we cope?

God understands that first reaction. It was to meet this very need that He spoke these words to Joshua. Whatever the details of the experience ahead, all Joshua needed to know was that God would not forsake him. All we need to know is that He will assist us too. No matter if Joshua is not a Moses, nor if we are unlike either. God's presence is the chief requirement. Shall we not approach Him to make these words a personal promise to ourselves? Let us believe that He will not fail to support us; that He will not fail to supply all our need; that He will not forsake us. With Him, we are certain to succeed whatever our circumstances.

Joshua was setting out on a new work and the future was all unknown. This promise was for the long years of living, and the days of dying. 'As I was with Moses' -- in death, as in life, -- 'so I will be with thee' -- in life and in death.

Our last journey is no less uncharted to us; but our Saviour has gone before. His promise is to be with us whithersoever we go. Whenever and wherever it is, even there His hand shall lead us and His right hand shall hold us.

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:9).

We shall manage as well as any other Christian if we are not dismayed. When we first hear the news that our illness is progressive or terminal, power may drain from body and mind. But the command to be strong and of a good courage is to be obeyed. By prayer, we can summon the Saviour's help to overcome the initial panic and obey Him in this matter. Then we shall experience His peace.

We can triumph over our fear as we think along these lines: Love is made perfect to give us boldness in the day of judgment. Our ultimate cause for fear is the judgment which follows death. The sting of death is sin.

So, if we once again confess all known sin, 'He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'. God helping us, we shall be courageous to dismiss all doubts and earthly vanities if they seek to turn us aside. We shall be strong, as Joshua was strong, to meditate in the Scriptures day and night and not to neglect them.