Embracing New Seasons with God's Guidance and Presence
Summary
Today we gathered to celebrate our graduates, honoring their hard work and the new season that lies ahead. Graduation is a significant milestone, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As each graduate steps into the unknown, it’s important to remember that God is not only present in the celebrations but also in the uncertainties and challenges that come with change. Drawing from Joshua chapter 1, we see how God prepared Joshua to lead after Moses, equipping him with guidance, promises, courage, stability, and the assurance of His presence. These are the same essentials we need as we move into any new season of life.
Just as Joshua had to let go of the past and trust God for the future, we too must be willing to release old baggage—resentment, bitterness, anger, depression, regret, lying, gossip, pride, and shame. These things cannot go with us into the new places God is calling us. Instead, we are invited to pack our “luggage” with what truly matters: God’s guidance (the compass), His promises (the key), courage (the lion), the stability of His Word (the anchor), and the light of His presence (the candle). Each of these represents a spiritual truth that will sustain us through transitions and trials.
God’s guidance doesn’t always reveal every step, but He promises to direct us as we trust Him. His promises are already ours, but we must walk in them with faith. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it, knowing God is with us. The anchor of God’s Word keeps us steady when the world’s definitions of success and security shift. And above all, God’s presence is not just a feeling but a deep knowing that He is with us, even in silence or uncertainty.
As we prayed over our graduates, we also invited everyone to lay down the burdens that don’t belong in the next season. God’s desire is for us to walk in freedom, purpose, and confidence, anchored in His love and truth. Whether you’re a graduate or simply facing a new chapter, remember that you are not alone—Christ is with you, leading you into what’s next.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Guidance Is Essential for Every New Season
Just as Joshua needed a compass to represent God’s direction, we must rely on the Lord to guide us into unfamiliar territory. We may not see the whole path ahead, but faith means trusting God’s leading step by step, especially when change feels overwhelming. Letting go of the past is necessary to embrace the future God has prepared. [57:28]
- God’s Promises Require Our Participation
The key symbolizes the promises God has already spoken over our lives. These promises are not passive; we must actively walk into them, trusting that God has given us access to new opportunities and callings. Confidence comes from knowing we are not locked out of our destiny, but are invited to step boldly into it. [01:02:37]
- Courage Is Moving Forward Despite Fear
God told Joshua three times to be strong and courageous, knowing that fear would try to hold him back. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to trust God and move forward anyway. When we feel inadequate or afraid, it’s an invitation to rely more deeply on God’s strength rather than our own. [01:04:44]
- God’s Word Is the Anchor That Grounds Us
In a world full of shifting values and opinions, the anchor of Scripture provides stability and clarity. Success is not measured by worldly standards, but by obedience to God’s Word. When we meditate on and live out Scripture, we find the strength and direction needed to withstand life’s storms and uncertainties. [01:08:12]
- God’s Presence Is a Steady Light, Even in Silence
The candle represents the presence of God, which is not always felt but can always be known. There will be seasons when God seems silent, but His faithfulness remains. Trusting in His presence means believing He is with us, working in and through us, even when our emotions waver or circumstances are unclear. [01:10:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Honoring Our Graduates
[09:31] - Graduate Reflections: Hannah
[13:44] - Graduate Reflections: Haley
[16:27] - Graduate Reflections: Alex
[47:50] - Surrounded by God’s Presence
[52:27] - Introduction to “What’s in Your Luggage?”
[53:58] - The Compass: God’s Guidance
[55:56] - Joshua’s Transition and God’s Faithfulness
[57:28] - Five Essentials for the Next Season
[01:00:37] - The Key: God’s Promises
[01:03:19] - The Lion: Courage and Strength
[01:05:52] - The Anchor: God’s Word
[01:09:12] - The Candle: God’s Presence
[01:13:18] - Letting Go of Old Baggage
[01:19:57] - Invitation to Lay Down Burdens
[01:21:50] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[01:24:44] - Prayer Over Graduates
[01:27:03] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “What’s in Your Luggage?”
---
### Bible Reading
Joshua 1:1-9
*(Main text for the sermon; referenced throughout)*
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Joshua 1, what specific instructions and promises does God give to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites?
2. According to the sermon, what are the five symbolic items Pastor Jesse put in the “luggage,” and what does each one represent? ([57:28])
3. What kinds of “old baggage” did the pastor mention that we need to leave behind before entering a new season? ([01:13:18])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between God’s presence as a feeling and as a “knowing”? ([01:10:21])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God repeatedly tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous” in this passage? What does this repetition suggest about Joshua’s situation and ours? ([01:04:44])
2. The sermon says God’s promises are like a key—already given, but we must “walk into them.” What does it mean to actively participate in God’s promises rather than just waiting for them? ([01:02:37])
3. The anchor represents God’s Word as our stability. Why is it important to have something unchanging to hold onto during times of transition or uncertainty? ([01:08:12])
4. The pastor talked about letting go of things like resentment, bitterness, and shame. Why is it necessary to release these before stepping into a new season? ([01:13:18])
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you faced a big change or new season. Did you feel more like Joshua—uncertain and maybe afraid—or confident? What helped you move forward, or what held you back? ([01:04:44])
2. The sermon challenged us to “let go” of old baggage like anger, regret, or shame. Is there something specific you’re carrying right now that you sense God is asking you to lay down? What would it look like to actually do that this week? ([01:13:18])
3. The compass stands for God’s guidance, even when we can’t see the whole path. Is there an area in your life right now where you need to trust God’s direction, even if you don’t have all the answers? ([57:28])
4. The key represents God’s promises and access to new opportunities. Are there any promises from God’s Word that you need to “walk into” more boldly? What’s one step you could take to do that? ([01:02:37])
5. The anchor is God’s Word. What is one practical way you can let Scripture “anchor” you this week—maybe through memorizing a verse, meditating on a passage, or applying a specific teaching? ([01:08:12])
6. The candle stands for God’s presence, even when He feels silent. Have you ever gone through a season where you didn’t “feel” God? How did you respond, and what helped you keep going? ([01:10:21])
7. The pastor said, “You’re not alone—Christ is with you, leading you into what’s next.” How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel isolated or overwhelmed by change? ([01:12:32])
---
Closing Thought:
As you discuss, remember that every new season is an opportunity to trust God more deeply, let go of what holds you back, and step forward with courage, anchored in His Word and presence.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God’s Guidance in New Seasons
As you step into a new chapter of life, it’s natural to feel uncertain or even anxious about what lies ahead. Just as Joshua faced a major transition after Moses’ death, you too are invited to trust God’s guidance for your journey. You may not know every step, but God’s direction is sure—He is repositioning you for purpose. Let Him point you forward, and trust that even when the path is unclear, He is leading you into what He has prepared. [59:09]
Joshua 1:2
“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.” (ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of the past and trust God to guide you into something new today?
Day 2: Walking in God’s Promises
God’s promises are not just distant hopes—they are keys that unlock new doors in your life. Before Joshua even took a step, God assured him that every place he set his foot would be given to him. In the same way, you are not locked out of your calling; you have been given authority to step confidently into what God has already prepared. Walk forward, knowing that His promises are already yours, and let His Word be the key that opens new opportunities. [01:02:37]
Joshua 1:3
“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.” (ESV)
Reflection: Where do you sense God inviting you to step out in faith and claim His promises for your life today?
Day 3: Courage to Move Forward
God knows that fear can hold us back from stepping into our purpose, which is why He repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Courage isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting God even when you feel afraid. You will face challenges and unknowns, but God is with you. Choose to move forward boldly, speak truth, and live with holy confidence, knowing that God’s presence goes before you. [01:04:44]
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (ESV)
Reflection: What is one fear or challenge you need to face with God’s courage today, and how can you take a step forward despite your fear?
Day 4: Anchored in God’s Word
True success is not measured by possessions or achievements, but by obedience to God’s Word. As you enter new seasons, countless voices will try to define success for you, but only God’s Word remains constant. Let Scripture be the anchor that keeps you steady when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. Don’t just read it—live it. Let God’s truth shape your identity, your decisions, and your direction. [01:08:12]
Joshua 1:8
“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 have good success.” (ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally anchor yourself in God’s Word today—what specific verse or truth will you meditate on and put into practice?
Day 5: Leaving Old Luggage Behind
You cannot carry resentment, bitterness, anger, shame, or regret into the new season God has for you. Just as old luggage must be left behind for the journey ahead, God invites you to lay down the burdens that weigh you down. His forgiveness is complete, and He wants you to walk in freedom and newness. Today is a new day—release what no longer belongs, and step boldly into the future God has prepared for you. [01:18:49]
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific burden or “old luggage” you need to lay down before God today so you can fully embrace the new season He has for you?
Quotes
Jesus is God's son sent to this earth to die on a cross, but why would he die on a cross? Because he loves you. Because he wants a personal relationship with you. Because he wants to use you for his glory. Jesus came to save you and to have a personal relationship with you. [01:22:08] (28 seconds)
Some of us need to lay down. You can't carry what's in this luggage and this luggage and go to your next season. Amen. Amen. That resentment that you have, that resentment you've been carrying, it's time to lay it down. You can't carry that in your new season. God's saying it's time to let that down. Let it go. [01:13:53] (46 seconds)
God gave Joshua a promise before he even took a step. Hear that. He gave him a promise before he even took a step. It was already his, but he had to walk into it. You have to walk into it, the promises of God. [01:01:12] (17 seconds)
Be strong. He says it three times in the scripture. Be strong and courageous. Take that to heart and be reminded. The line represents bravery. You will face challenges, unknowns, and opposition, but God is with you. Courage is choosing to move forward anyway. Stand bold. Speak truth. Live with holy confidence. [01:05:09] (23 seconds)
When you step into a new season, you need something that keeps you grounded. The world will offer countless voices and opinions, but God's Word remains constant. His Word needs to be the anchor of your life. Because when you're moving forward in your life into this new season, you have to have stability. And His Word is that stability. [01:07:59] (25 seconds)
Success is not having a lot of money. Having cars, possessions, nice houses, nice boats, whatever it is, that is not what true success is. It's not. In the world's eyes, it might seem that's being successful. But being successful is being obedient. Obedient to what God wants you to do. [01:07:23] (23 seconds)
Joshua's success wasn't based on his strength or strategy. It was based on obedience. The anchor represents stability. When things get uncertain or overwhelming, let Scripture keep you steady. Don't just read it. Live it. Let God's truth anchor your identity, your decision, and your direction. [01:08:24] (20 seconds)
So graduates, you're standing on the edge of your new season. Remember, the compass reminds you that God is shifting you forward into a new season. He's doing something new in your life. Let him lead and guide you. Remember the key is his promises, that they're already yours. Remember the lion. Walk like a lion. Be bold and courageous. Remember the anchor. I'm not picking that up. A little heavy. But be grounded in his word. So no matter the storm that you face, it won't overtake you. And then the light. Trust that he's with you. And he goes before you and beside you. Be strong and courageous. And step boldly into what's next in your life. [01:11:55] (52 seconds)
You have friends and you have families that are anchors. But can I tell you, don't build your life on that. Don't. Because your friends, your family, will not be there forever. That can be here today and go on the next. So where is your foundation? Where is your stability at? [01:06:03] (24 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 18, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?