FEAR AND THE FUTURE SEEM TO LOOM UP AND OVERTAKE US AT TIMES. HOW CAN WE BE FREE TO HAVE COURAGE?
We can learn so much from the life of a man who never gave up, or gave into fear even though the majority around him shouted out amongst the fearful desert dwellers. Let’s listen to what God says and what a courageous man of God said in response!
Joshua 1:9:
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Wow what a wonderful promise from God! Now this is what Joshua had to say about a time that was very challenging:
Joshua 14:7-9:
7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 8 but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’[a]
But the others were afraid of the GIANTS. They were convinced they would be defeated. But not Joshua!
You see to believe what God said was true was a choice that Joshua made. He did not let circumstances dictate his attitude and beliefs. Instead he choose to do as God had commanded him; to trust and not be afraid because He was with Joshua.
THERE WAS A SECRET TO JOSHUA’S VICTORY…READ ON TO FIND OUT!
God told Joshua to trust and not be afraid.
Joshua was about to embark on the journey of lifetime! He was chosen to lead God’s people into the promised land!
The Land that God wanted to give them years before but to which they could not enter because of unbelief.
Now God has Joshua--a leader after His own heart to lead His people into the promised land. God reassures Joshua that He will be with him, just as He was with Moses. That is saying A LOT because God spoke face to face with Moses!
Then God gives him the prescription for success: be careful to obey all the law that was given to Moses. To think about it day and night and teach it to the people.
To obey God’s word is just like loving Him. To love Him is to obey Him (John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.) When we obey His commands, His way of doing life, we get blessed and we have success in what He is calling us to do.
This does not mean we won’t have obstacles or challenges to overcome. Joshua had GIANTS in the land to OVERCOME. But when God has commissioned us to do something and we obey His words, He will be with us and help us to get the job done!
He has good works planned from before we were born to walk in and He wants to see us walk in our destiny!
The key was that Joshua followed God whole heartedly. He did not go to the left or to the right, but he stayed on the straight path of God’s truth.
It was Joshua’s destiny to lead the children of Israel into the promised land and He did—God’s way!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
What do you think about success? What obstacles seem to stand in your way to reach your promised land?
What has God promised you?
Joshua’s story of victory can be your story of victory as you follow His lead in your life!
Leave a comment and share this your family and friends!