"You Have Not Been This Way Before"

Leadership texts draw a distinction between crystalized intelligence and fluid intelligence. Both intelligences are essential for leadership. The former is the ability to make decisions based on a lifetime of experiences. The past becomes a resource for current decisions. Fluid intelligence is also the ability to make good decisions, but it has no reference to the past. The leader with fluid intelligence is able to shift direction with rapidly, changing circumstances. On what do you base decisions then?
"You have never been this way before." The people were told to stay close to their leaders, to follow the ark, and to give themselves wholly to God. Joshua would have the responsibility to lead a new generation where they have never been. Protection and provision for more than a million people would be his task.
Joshua will consecrate himself first. He will meditate first, more and often. He will plead for God's presence in all situations as promised. He will hold out the hope to God's people that tomorrow "God will do amazing things among you." And he will be careful to obey as he holds close God's promise of success. "Be strong and courageous..."
Fluid intelligence for the Christian leader is an issue of faith. He will trust his crystalized experiences with God in the past and His word in the present. In a future world where we have never been, only God can pilot a sure course.

Father, we look to You for guidance. Our strength and wisdom are small. We do not know the future or any of the contingencies. Give us faith to trust You even in the dark. We give ourselves to You and ask for holiness in return. We wait in anticipation of the amazing hope of Your presence. Show us the way that we should go for to You we lift up our souls. Amen.