I became a Christian as an adult at the age of 28. Since the church I attended was a diverse with people from all ethnicity and cultures, I assumed Christianity did not have racism or racial divisions. Since that time, some 30 years ago, I have learned the truth. How Christian white slave owners justified slavery and racism using the Bible. How during the Civil Rights movement in Christian denominations split to provide segregated churches. I was aghast at this evilness done in the name of Jesus.
I began to pray for the church to be the leader of love and grace to all peoples:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 (NASB)
With my heart and soul on the future found in Revelation 7:9
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
At the same time continue to reach out in love and grace to all my brothers and sisters in Christ while trying to understand their perspective and experiences. (Side note…why I love NCFI!) Because I am an unapologetic book worm, I continued to read books on the subject from many great Christian writers.
I recently became aware of John M. Perkins book One Blood. This was the answer to my prayers. My women’s group read and discussed the book. It was a great experience to listen to my sisters talk about their experiences and views.
In the meantime, leaders from many churches in the Bay Area had been discussing how to respond to the deaths and hatred acts towards Blacks, Asians, and other racially motivated events. My pastor was part of this group and began inviting various parishioners to participate in One Blood Bible Study and Discussion. I immediately joined the study.
The problem is that there is a gaping hole in the gospel. We have preached a gospel that leaves us believing that we can be reconciled to God but not reconciled to our Christian brothers and sisters who don’t look like us–brothers and sisters with whom we are, in fact, one blood. (p. 17)
I am committed to praying and doing my part to live out the gospel of reconciliation to all people!
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, “Moses My servant is dead; so now arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot steps, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.
God promised Moses, Joshua, and the Israelites through his covenant with Abraham that they would possess the land (Genesis 15:7; Exodus 3:17). As the successor to Moses, Joshua stood firm on God’s promise to Moses, “Every place you put your feet, I will give you.” The promise was beyond the teachings of Moses and was made real as they entered the land to possess it. Every Israelite could look down where they stood and say, “This is my promised land.”
We face seemingly unsurmountable challenges in nursing. Yet, as Christian nurse leaders we can have the same confidence as Joshua. The Lord promised us spiritual blessings. Keathley’s teaching on Joshua states:
“…from the moment of salvation, God has provided every believer with every spiritual blessing and provision. Of course, as this book (Joshua) makes perfectly clear, having a title deed to the land (or our blessings in Christ) does not mean our lives will be without testing, conflict, struggles, and pressures. It indeed will, but since the battle is the Lord’s, since God has done the most for us in Christ, with the testings and temptations comes God’s deliverance through faith and the application of the Word.” (1)
As we nurses go forward in confidence, we will need to be creative and steadfast in solving the nursing crisis. One way you can stand in confidence is to regularly prayer-walk through your workplace. For example, if you work in a hospital, walk down each hallway, patient room, office, eating area, conference room, and other areas to pray.
Here is a simple prayer: “O, holy, sovereign God. This is Your hospital, and You are working here. You have blessed me by being called a nurse. I am an instrument of Yours equipped to bring your love, grace, and truth to my colleagues, my patients, and families. I give You thanks God, who in Christ always leads me in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of You everywhere. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:21; 2 Corinthians 2:14
The Israelites faced many challenges. Through Joshua’s innovative leadership skills guided by God, he led the Israelites to conquer the land and begin their new life. God says the same thing to us as he said to Joshua, “o one will be able to oppose you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not desert you nor abandon you.” (Joshua 1:5 NASB)
Whether you are a nurse leader in a hospital, clinic, home care, or in academics, like me, we need timeless guidance from great leaders like Joshua. A devout follower of God who served God in his work and in his home.
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:7-8 (ESV)
We know Joshua as an amazing leader, but who was he before the book of Joshua? First, his name means “Jehovah is salvation” and when used in the New Testament, it is the same word for “Jesus” (see Hebrew 4:6). Joshua was born a slave in Egypt. He shared in all the events of the Exodus and held the place of commander of the Israelites at their great battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16).
Joshua was Moses’ minister or servant and accompanied him part of the way when he ascended Mount Sinai to receive the two tablets (Exodus 32:17). Joshua was also one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:16,17). Joshua and Caleb were the only men who gave an encouraging report. Commentators believe both men were 40 years old when they were sent out. Thus, Joshua was 80 years old when he was commissioned by God to be Moses’ successor.
Bible scholar Dr. McGee says the following about Joshua “He was a man of prayer, courage, dependence upon God, faith, leadership, enthusiasm, and fidelity. He is a type of Christ in name and work.”
As we begin to study the leadership style of Joshua, we can reflect on our own steadfast faith and professional calling in nursing. As Christians, we don’t rely solely upon the world’s definitions of leadership. Instead, we bring both our faith in Christ and nursing excellence to characterize our leadership.
If you are someone who says, “I can’t be a leader.” or “I am not leadership material,” then this final anonymous quote is for you.
“Joshua shows that a man of average ability may become a leader in the church. He received his call not in flaming letters across the sky, but from an old man, who knew God and knew Joshua, and saw that he was fitted by God to be a leader.” (McGee)
Let God fit you to be His leader!
Prayer:Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.
Joshua 1:8
As Joshua stepped into the big shoes of leadership the Lord not only provided courage to lead, He provided a plan for success:
Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not desert you nor abandon
you…be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you;
do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever
you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on
it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for
then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success. Have I not
commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:5-9
The Lord provides us with the same plan He gave to Joshua:
Don’t Panic — trust God with all your misgivings, doubts, fears, etc., and He will guide your steps.
Focus on the Word–like Moses, Joshua, Billy Graham and other great Christians, our strength is found in obedience to the Word.
You have a Partner–God is faithful and is with you always.
Whether you have a title, position, or specific calling, all nurses are leaders. Our big shoes of leadership are probably not as big as Moses’ shoes; but like Joshua you are to lead others following Christian principles.
Read: Joshua 1:1-9
Reflect: Which component of God’s plan for Joshua’s leadership is the most challenging for you?
Prayer: Holy Lord, just as You guided Joshua in filling in Big Shoes of leadership left behind by Moses, guide us in filling in Big Shoes of Leadership in our facilities, schools, and clinics. Amen.
Nurses around the world are experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue. The demands from the coronavirus pandemic have created a crisis in nursing. Nurses are leaving their units, facilities, and the profession. The results are devastating with a horrendous shortage of nurses to care for patients, teach students, and manage clinics and hospitals. Now more than ever health care and academics needs effective nurse leaders to navigate through these difficult times.
In the book of Joshua there are timeless leadership guidance from the life of Joshua, who was tasked with leading the Israelites into the promised land. The Israelites had spent 40 years in the desert and were only familiar with the nomadic life of desert living. Joshua led them to conquer cities and adjust to a new way of life while following God’s laws—a monumental challenge.
In the next series of devotions, we will explore the amazing leadership of Joshua. To get us started, we will look at what the Lord said to Joshua in preparation for his leadership role. These devotions were previously published in CARES II: Reflections for Nurses.
Big Shoes of Leadership Includes Courage
[The Lord said,] “Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not desert you nor abandon you. Be strong and courageous.”
Joshua 1:5-6
Nurses are called into leadership positions and as Christians we should take these opportunities to have a greater influence towards Christ-centered nursing. At the same time, the big shoes of leadership can be daunting and overwhelming, causing many nurses to decline the opportunity.
When Joshua took Moses’ place as Israel’s leader, he had big shoes to fill. For 40 plus years, Moses had been the spokesman for God, the giver of the law, the indwelling presence of I AM, the warrior against Pharaoh’s army, builder of a nation and caregiver of God’s people. He not only directed the building of the tabernacle and guided them to daily sustenance of manna and doves, Moses governed the legal, political, and economic status of a nomadic, rebellious nation.
How could Joshua, Moses’ attendant, step into those huge leadership shoes? Was Joshua frightened, worried, or anxious? Did he doubt his ability to be a leader that Israel would follow? Was he afraid of disappointing the Lord? Was he afraid to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and never witness the fruition of his labors because of disobedience? These were big shoes to fill. Was Joshua ready for the challenge?
We have insight into Joshua’s concerns and his need for assurance from the Lord. The Lord tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” In fact, the exhortation is repeated 3 times. (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Today, the Lord speaks to you with the same encouragement: Be strong and courageous. The Lord will be with you, just as He was with Moses, Joshua, and other leaders.
Read: Joshua 1:1-9
Reflect: Have you declined a leadership position due to fear or concern about your abilities? If so, ask the Lord to open your heart to His courage in following His guidance.
Prayer: O’ Lord, I will not be dismayed, nor tremble for You provide me with courage to lead. Amen.
“Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
Many of us have been in or are still in a wilderness journey with COVID, job struggles, family problems, grief from loss of loved ones, and other personal experiences. As we continue to trudge along we can find hope in Moses’ guiding words to the Israelites.
As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses reminded them of their experiences in Egypt and the judgements they had witnessed. He pointed out how God had provided for their every need including shoes still in good shape and clothes that had not worn out for 40 years (Deuteronomy 29:5). In addition, God had not only protected them from their enemies, but He had also taken another nation’s land and given it to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 29)
Moses guiding words included next steps for the Israelites:
Remember their slavery in Egypt.
Remember how God loved and cared for them in the desert.
Take possession of the land.
Do not let the blessings of the new land lead them sin.
Love and obey God enjoying the blessing he gave them.
God promised the Israelites that if they would stay faithful to him, they would keep their promised inheritance (Deuteronomy 30:20).
As we live in our wilderness journey we can follow Moses’ advice and look to our promised inheritance of eternal life:
Remember times when God freed you from your past and/or sin(s).
Remember God loves and cares for you during this time
May be helpful to list what you do have (food, clothes, shelter, etc.)
Possess the abundant life you have in Christ (faith, hope, love, joy, peace, endurance, and strength)
Do not let fleshly desires and the temptations of the world lead to sin
Return to abiding in Christ through prayer, worship and living in the Word
I love the practicality of God’s word to the Israelites found in Deuteronomy 30:11-14:
“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.”
The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 is Jesus’ response to the disciples’ request, “Teach us to pray.”
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen (NASB).
There are countless books, Bible studies, and sermon topics written on this timeless prayer. Depending upon your faith tradition, you may be quite familiar with the Lord’s prayer. The prayer may be part of corporate worship or a liturgy for personal prayer. The prayer can also provide a template of sorts to intercede for believers and non-believers alike.
As we bring friends, families and colleagues concerns to prayer, we recognize that we have a holy, loving Father who cares for everyone, the saved and the unsaved. We petition, first and foremost, for His will to be accomplished and His just and merciful kingdom found in heaven to come to earth. The recognition and verbal proclamation of God’s name, God’s kingdom, and God’s will reminds us of His purpose and plan for others.
With our hearts and spirits focused on the Divine, we can make requests for others. Through the petition for daily bread, we recognize that a loving Heavenly Father daily meets all physical and temporal needs. We ask for nothing more and nothing less than the Father’s provision for this basic necessity.
Just as He meets the physical, the Holy Father meets our primary spiritual need, forgiveness. The first request is for others to receive forgiveness from the Father; with an immediate recognition that the gift of mercy is based upon extending mercy to others.
A final necessity is a petition for the Spirit’s help in thwarting temptation and deliverance from evil. Two simple requests that recognizes the balance of power we consistently face. Yet, we do not lose heart in our intercessory prayer for others. We conclude with bold proclamation of God’s kingdom, power, and glory will exist eternally. Amen.
Be subject for the Lord’s sake…For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God
(1 Peter 2:13, 15-16)
Throughout my time as a nurse, I have dialogued with many nurses who were looking at changing jobs. Prior to the high stress and demands of caring for patients with the coronavirus infection, Christian nurses’ complaints focused on unkind coworkers and/or harsh work environments as a result of their faith. Nurses shared how they couldn’t talk about their personal faith at work. One nurse said, “Forget inviting colleagues to church. I was afraid to even share how involved my family was in church. A few nurses on my unit began badgering me about being ‘one of those people.’ ”
Another nurse shared when he was doing his devotion and praying in the break room. He was firmly told by the charge nurse, “Don’t bring your Jesus here!” It was made more confusing because the unit was working on implementing caring into the unit. The manager had encouraged a group time of “meditation” and “centering.”
These nurses and others were praying about transferring units or leaving the hospital. As I listened to their concern and assisted them with navigating these complex issues of faith and work, I was reminded of how we are the hands and heart of God. Wherever we work, we bring the love and grace of God to everyone. This isn’t just a spiritual truth; it is reality of what Christ has called for His followers. In my experience, the Lord will purposefully place a believer in a hostile, unwelcoming work environment. Not for the nurse’s convenience or comfort. Instead, God needs someone to bring Himself to the people. If we don’t go, who will show God’s grace to our colleagues? Who will demonstrate God’s love if we aren’t there to pray for their loved ones? How can our colleagues find the peace of Christ if we don’t show them?
I challenge everyone wanting to leave their workplace, to spend time in prayer seeking the Holy Spirit. You may not need to leave. Instead, you may need a fresh passion and strength to be the light God wants to use in your workplace. In addition, you may need prayer and support from Christian nursing colleagues. No matter what decision you make, find strength in the Word and in fellowship.
My prayer for you: “Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
David replied, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, ‘Perhaps the Lord will show pity and the child will live.’ But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Am I able to bring him back at this point? I will go to him, but he cannot return to me!”
(2 Samuel 12:22)
If you are reading a devotion on grief, then you have probably experienced the death of a loved one; and you have most likely prayed for their healing. I can also imagine; you didn’t just pray once or twice. In fact, you probably prayed multiple times and potentially over many years. I know. I prayed for many years for my sister to be healed from alcoholism. I didn’t just pray. I fasted and prayed. I dedicated seasons of Lent to her healing. I knocked, pounded, and begged God to heal my sister, intervene for her recovery, and lead her to Jesus. When she died, I felt the finality to my many unanswered prayers. God had spoken and his answer was “No.” I grieved the reality that the incense of my prayers dissipated past God’s throne room seemingly unheard.
My experience is not unique, nor is this my only encounter with unanswered prayers. Like many of you, I have many unanswered prayers of grief and loss. Thus, I ask, “Can we change God’s mind when we pray?” Throughout scripture we see how God answered prayers for healing; as well as verses teaching believers to pray.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16)
“Can we change God’s mind when we pray?”
Scripture also speaks of times when God allowed illness, diseases, and suffering occurs.
If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
During these times, believers are encouraged to persevere and endure with hope and strength (Romans 5:4). So, should we pray for loved ones? Should we look for healing? Seek the miraculous? The answer is “Yes.”
Here are my personal insights into the grief of unanswered prayers:
Continue to pray for healing (James 5:13-15).
It demonstrates our belief that God can change the situation. He is the Great Physician and has the power over health and illness, disease and death. (John 5:26).
Prayer is not about the answers. It is about a relationship with the Divine who loves us and loves our loved ones. (Philippians 1:9-11).
God knows the bigger picture
As Sovereign of the universe God knows the yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8).
Expect God to do other miracles besides healings and cures. One miracle is when others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. (John 11:25), or a closer relationship with Him through the suffering and grief.
God is working through you and your loved one.
I am on this side of many unanswered prayers and see the benefit of the “no’s” and trust God with the “no’s” I don’t understand (Matthew 7:7-11).
I will leave you with a quote from Philip Yancey from the chapter Unanswered Prayer: Living with the Mystery,
“…more convinced than ever that the only final solution to unanswered prayer is Paul’s explanation to the Corinthians: ‘For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall know even as also I am known.’ No human being, no matter how wise or how spiritual can interpret the ways of God, explain why one miracle and not another, why an apparent intervention here and not there. Along with the apostle Paul, we can only wait, and trust.” (*p. 247)
Prayer:
Father God, I confess I waver in my faith and trust when my prayers for healing go unanswered. Help me to accept your wisdom and providence in my life and in the life of my loved ones. Amen.
Reflections:
Do you have unanswered prayers for a loved one? Are you still praying and hoping for healing for a loved one? Whatever your experience and current prayer life, write out prayers that have gone unanswered. Be honest and intimate and include the pain and sorrow your waiting has or is causing. Psalm 13 is a plea to God to hear the author’s prayer. Use it as a template to cry out to the Lord.
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Shane & Shane put Psalm 13 to song.
Resources:
*Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference by Philip Yancey explores prayer from both a personal and theological base. Philip’s book Where is God When It Hurts? is a classic that promises to provide comfort and a healing guide for coping with hard times. Purchase both from Christian Book Distributors .
Whether the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of your favorite worship songs or one that is new to your playlist, take a moment to intently listen to each verse and the repeating chorus.
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
This wonderful hymn is so simple, yet communicates such sweet promises hidden in the faithfulness of our Lord. Here are few a found in the verses:
There is no shadow of turning – God doesn’t change, nor was He surprised by COVID. (James 1:17)
His compassions never fail – God will never stop loving us, no matter what we do. (Psalm 100:5)
He is always the same — yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8)
His faithfulness is seen in the changing seasons and celestial movements (Psalm 104:19-20)
His faithfulness has secured our salvation and brought us peace (Titus 2:11; John 14:2)
His presence is here to cheer and to guide us (John 16:1 & John 10:3)
He brings us strength for today and a bright hope for tomorrow. (Isiah 40:29-31
Did you notice how the hymn depicts God’s faithfulness through His character, His creation, and then makes it personal with “Blessings all mine”?
The repetitive, simple chorus reminds us that every morning God provides new mercies for you and me to see. We don’t need to wait; we don’t have to wonder if we will see them. Each morning with the rising of the sun God’s trustworthiness reveals new mercies shining bright and warm (Lamentations 3:22-23). Feeling secured in God’s daily promise we can proclaim, “The Lord has provided all that I have needed.” This is poignant reminder that nothing I have needed today, nor anything I will need tomorrow is beyond the faithful providence of God. Thus, I can rejoice in God’s faithfulness “unto me!”
Take time this week to share the faithfulness of God with a patient, colleague, or family member
Carrie Dameron 