From Defeat to Victory

Last week we began our study of the book of Joshua. At the beginning of the book, the Israelites stood on the edge of the promised land ready to make a second attempt at entering. Only 40 years earlier, faithlessness prevented their parent’s generation from entering the land. That defeat is now turned to victory during the days of Joshua. Why? What can we learn for our own lives?

Faithfulness
Joshua himself was an incredible example of faithfulness. Joshua began his life in Egyptian bondage. After escaping Egypt with his countrymen, he served in the very large shadow of Moses as his aid. Joshua was one of two spies that gave a faithful report of the promised land. When the rest of the nation was made to wander in the desert for their faithlessness, Joshua had to wait! Although he lived many years in relative obscurity, God was preparing Joshua for something!

Often it is easy to wonder what God is up to in our lives. We want desperately for God to use us and wonder why He does not. God is preparing each one of us for something through good times and bad. Our responsibility is to be faithful!

Strength and Courage
The admonition “Be strong and courageous” occurs 4 times in Joshua 1. The first is an admonition to be strong as an example to others. The courage and strength of our faith in God should be evident to all!

The second admonition is a call to obey all of the Lord’s commands. It has always taken courage to do the right thing. As Christians, we have the unbelievable privilege of having the Creator’s instructions for our lives! God’s Word helps us to have life to the full!

They were also admonished to be strong and courageous wherever they went. God never promised us life would be easy, only that he would be with us. Victorious Christian living is not about everything going right. It is about God giving us the strength to face whatever life throws at us.

They were also called to be courageous against unrighteousness. Their parent’s generation had been prone to rebellion. The most insidious challenges often come from within. It takes strength and courage to stand up when even those claiming to be Christians need correction in the Lord.
Let us be faithful, strong and courageous!