2025

Corporate Verse: Deuteronomy 31:6

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

As you may recall, we ended 2024 with a “Living the Mission” article focused on quiet courage. We used a passage out of the book of Joshua where we found the phrase “be strong and courageous” three times in just four verses. As our executive management team contemplated the selection of the 2025 verse of the year, we ultimately decided on Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT): “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid, and do not panic before them. For the Lord, our God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” The concept of being strong and courageous throughout 2025 seemed to be fitting for our team, both personally and professionally. We hope you find it applicable as well. 

Deuteronomy 31 speaks of the same story when the Israelites were preparing to go into the Promised Land. However, this passage starts with Moses, the longtime leader of the Israelites, talking to Joshua and explaining that it is his time to lead the people. Moses was transitioning his leadership role to Joshua and preparing him for the future. Moses understood that true leadership is not easy and that the people would carefully watch Joshua as the new leader. Joshua’s obedience to God and response to adversity would either create or hinder success. Our roles as leaders are so very important. It is much more than just making decisions and signing documents. Our willingness to encourage, support, and lead through difficult seasons has more of an impact on overall success than many would think. I can remember times when I was not the best example and could see the negative impacts of my actions and decisions. I have also witnessed self-control and obedience to God’s direction accomplish the unthinkable. We all carry with us the poor decisions of the past. However, it is what we are focused on now that matters the most. Leadership is powerful, and our responsibility to prepare those around us for the next season of life is more important than ever. 

Our first President, George Washington, once said, “The whole duty of man is summed up in obedience to God’s will.” Obedience plays such a key role in being strong and courageous. That is why God told Joshua to be careful when obeying all the instructions. We see in Numbers 20:12 that Joshua’s predecessor did not obey each detail, and as a result, he was not permitted to lead the people into the Promised Land, “But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” God’s plan is unique for each of us and is created with full knowledge of our individual strengths, weaknesses, and gifts. Our commitment to be strong and courageous even when there is uncertainty and fear will drive success. Elisabeth Elliot once said, “When obedience to God contradicts what I think will give me pleasure, let me ask myself if I love Him.” We all tend to be more focused on the short-term impact of our decisions, especially the ones that we believe will create immediate pleasure or comfort. However, if we love God and trust that His word is true, our focus should be on obedience and letting God worry about the challenges along our journey. 

January 1, 2025, will represent the start of a new season for many. However, just because the calendar indicates a new year does not mean that each of us will automatically move to a new season of life. Each season, good or bad, has lessons that must be learned, opportunities to be explored, and challenges to overcome. Our focus should be to develop and grow as individuals so we are prepared for the next season in life. As we enter 2025, I pray that each of you have a blessed year and remain strong and courageous!

Challenge: 

STAY FOCUSED ON ENCOURAGING, SUPPORTING, AND LEADING. BE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE. ALWAYS BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

Have a happy and blessed 2025!

Published: January 1, 2025

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