Devotion
Big shoes to fill
David Jacobs
My father was a devout man and an excellent father. He was patient, strong, caring, and intelligent. He was far more open and loving his family than most men are, giving my siblings and I an excellent example of a loving male role model. I am lucky, but because of how extraordinarily good my father was, I felt that I had giant shoes to fill when I had children of my own. In fact, I delayed having children due to my feelings of inadequacy, because I truly felt that I could never live up to the high level that my father had set. Regardless of whether or not I am as "good" a father as he was, my father did not raise his family well for competitive reasons. Once I learned that I had a blueprint on how to raise a family right, my insecurities faded away.
In Joshua's case, Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the desert, and was revered by all of the people. With Moses' passing, a massive void in the Israelite community was created. Someone needed to fill it, but who would want to follow the most important Israelite that had ever lived? The pressure and feelings of inadequacy would be almost impossible to overcome alone. Luckily for Joshua, God steps in, showing him the same level of intimacy, care, and guidance that He had shown Moses. God promises not to fail Joshua, the same as He did with Moses. All Joshua needs to do is be strong and courageous. The size of the shoes doesn't even matter; what matters is that Moses had set an excellent example of how to lead. Similar to my father, they didn't leave gigantic shoes to fill, they gave us a map that we could follow so that we could effectively lead.
Prayer
My Father in Heaven, you have always led me to where I needed to go. Like a stubborn horse, I have not always listened to you, but you have always been patient with me. Lord, I pray that I hear your instructions and shed my anxiety about leading. You have shown me the way, been a lamp at my feet. With this prayer I vow to be strong and courageous, like Joshua before me. In your name I pray, Amen.