A Message of Encouragement for 2022 by Chairman Simeon Strauser 

The year of 2021 has passed and now the year of 2022 is before us.  In such transitions, it is common to take assessment of the responsibilities charged to our care, whether they be personal, family, occupational or for ministry ahead.  Today, may you be encouraged that for the season ahead, as you keep your face turned toward the Lord, He is with you.  His word unto Joshua (Joshua 1) is the same that He declares over you – ‘I will not leave you nor forsake you’. (v5).  

Today, the calling of God for this coming season may often seem to be insurmountable when one sits back and takes account of the challenges ahead.  Imagine the mindset of Joshua as the Lord spoke to him with the instructions to lead the children of Israel across the Jordan and into the promised land (v6).   Joshua was called to walk a walk of faith, in obedience to the voice of God.  The spoken word of God declared the strength, anointing and protection (v5) to be experienced, and as well, the promises of God Almighty (v6-9) to be realized.  

Take note, our Lord God spoke three times within this moment of commissioning Joshua, ‘Be strong and of good courage’, speaking directly to the action required for the fulfillment of the calling ahead.  Joshua was being commissioned by God to be a servant of action, steadfast, and ready to act in accordance with the law of God, as His all-sufficient rule. 

The final word of the Lord prior to Joshua commencing upon the ministry ahead was (v9), Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

As the Lord God speaks to you for the season ahead into 22, may you in the like manner of Joshua, be faithful to His word.  May you, as you walk as His faithful servant, be constant and unwavering to that which God is calling you to.  Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go. 

– Pastor Simeon Strauser