When you became a believer, did you think it would be easy? I am not sure I thought it would be easy, but I sure didn’t think it would be as hard as it’s been! I mean, we’re following Christ…why would that be anything but blessed all the time? Truly, the Christian journey has been more blessed than I dreamed it would be, but also more difficult than I ever thought.
If you scan the book of Joshua, you see so many incredible principles. Let’s look at three of them!
- Following Christ Takes Courage: Take a quick look at chapter one. You see several times God tells Joshua to “be courageous and strong.” Why does he tell him that? Must have been something scary going on…a difficult task. (You even see these words from Moses to Joshua if you back up one book and read Deuteronomy 31:6-7.)
Obeying the Call to GO-Katie Davis Moses was commissioning Joshua to go take the Promised Land. He and the Israelites would finally face the giants who scared them off forty years before. This time they would make it; but it wouldn’t be easy. Don’t you imagine those under Joshua’s leadership were saying, “You want us to do what? Pack up and move in 3 days? How? There’s a big river and big giants over there.” But, the command was to go, and go they did. What “giants” are you facing right now? Be courageous as you walk in faith to conquer each one in HIS power.
- Following Christ Takes Obedience: It’s hard to be obedient in difficult assignments unless we have courage. In Chapter 1:16-17, the Israelites said they would do all that Joshua had commanded them to do. They repeat again the words, “be strong and courageous.” Maybe they are learning! In Chapter three they reach that first main obstacle, the Jordan River, in flood stage no less! Ok, how are we going to do this one, Joshua?
God instructs the priests to go in front and step into the water. What happens when they do? (hint: Joshua 3:15-16) God provided as they obeyed, not BEFORE the priests put their toes in the water but AS they did. What river is God asking you to put your foot in? Trust Him to part the waters as you walk in obedience to whatever He has already told you. I love the comment T. W. Hunt makes in his study, From Heaven’s View, “When God gives us a command, we don’t need to understand His directive, we need to understand His authority!” Go ahead, put your foot in that river and watch God part the waters!
- Following Christ Takes Remembrance: In Chapter 4:1-7 we see what the people do after they all cross the Jordan safely. They build a memorial so that all who saw it would ask what it means. The people, and subsequent generations, would recount the story of God’s faithfulness and provision.
They would remember from now on the wonderful works of the Lord. As women who love Christ, we must tell the stories of God’s faithfulness in our lives, through the good and bad times. How else will others see through us how God uses all things for our good and His glory? (Rom. 8:28) Lay down those memorial stones so that future generations will also know and follow Christ.
Learn from Joshua about courage, obedience and remembrance. Then tell others about it!
Chris Adams
Senior Lead Women’s Ministry Specialist
LifeWay Christian Resources
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