The Necessity of Endings
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise…” — Joshua 1:2
God opens the book of Joshua with words that feel almost abrupt.
No long explanation.
No soft transition.
No honoring speech before the command.
Just a clear, unmistakable statement:
Moses is dead.
When God Names the Ending
This wasn’t dishonor. It was clarity.
Moses was a great leader. A faithful servant. A man used mightily by God. But his season had ended—and Joshua’s could not begin until that ending was fully acknowledged.
There are moments in our lives where God is not being harsh—He’s being merciful—by calling things exactly what they are.
Some things must die so that movement can begin.
Why Letting Go Matters
We often want God to resurrect what He has already buried. We want to carry familiar things into new territory because they once worked, once helped us, once mattered deeply. But you cannot step into a promise while dragging old bones behind you.
Endings are not failures.
They are permissions
Closing Creates Movement
Joshua could not lead the people into the Promised Land while living under the shadow of Moses’ leadership. And the people could not move forward while clinging to the way things used to be.
God didn’t say, “Moses is resting.”
He said, “Moses is dead.”
Because until you accept what is over, you will resist what is next.
Dragging old bones into new promises weighs you down and keeps you tethered to what was instead of available for what is.
Joshua’s Story Creates Courage and Closure
Joshua 1 is not just about courage—it’s about closure.
God doesn’t bring endings to punish us.
He brings them to position us.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Give us the courage to name what You have already finished. Help us grieve what needs grieving, honor what deserves honoring, and then let it go. We don’t want to drag old bones into new territory or cling to what You are no longer sustaining. Teach us to trust You in the endings as much as in the beginnings. We choose to arise, move forward, and step fully into what You are calling us to now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What has God clearly ended that you may still be trying to carry forward? Where are you resisting closure?
- What familiar “bones” feel safer than trusting God with what’s ahead?
- What promise might require you to finally say, “That season is over,” and step forward?
For more information:
Read: Mastering Your Seasons: https://lisa-schwarz.com/mastering-your-seasons/
Watch: Mastering Your Seasons: Surviving the Wilderness: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaMLikcR9YvYOLhZe-QNVbtLODxexi_JZ&si=GnNI_5SAps5PaX07
Dear Lisa,
I really liked this devotional.
So many good points here, which I may integrate into my counseling.
Thank you for sharing the good Word.
Blessings,
Norene
Awesome teaching…..just like Lot…DON’T LOOK BACK!!!
WALK BY FAITH…NOT BY SIGHT!!
What a prophetic message more me right when I needed to hear it. God has been having me read Joshua and meditate on the transition of season and having me step into the next. Holy Spirit is speaking to me loud and clear though this. Thank you!