Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.
When we read Joshua, there are key elements that are glaringly apparent throughout the book. We become aware of God’s presence that energizes our work.
We become critically and keenly aware of how we must TRUST GOD, and by so doing, it means trusting Him fully because He can see beyond what we can see. We must remember that God doesn’t require us to understand His will, but in fact…simply obey it, even it is seems unreasonable to “our mind” which is far inferior to that of our Father’s mind.
He instructs Joshua to stay in the “Word” and not to depart from His “law.”
In Joshua 1:8; the Lord states with undeniably clarity and tenacity, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.”
He is reinforcing the importance of staying with His Word and Law, and doing what is required in order to fulfill His Will. And, assuring us that when we do, we will be prosperous and have good success!
This was the same command He issued to future Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:19–he was to meditate on the Word of God every day knowledge of God’s will is crucial to doing so. And this is so to this day.
God didn’t change.
His Word didn’t change.
His Will and Law didn’t change. (Sacrificial blood ordinance changed…Jesus Blood took care of that.)
His plans for our success and purpose didn’t change.
And, most especially…His love didn’t expire or change…He still loves all of His children.
He declared in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
It is so easy to focus on “our problems” which we can see, and not on God, whom we can’t see. As Joshua discovered, “God is with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, and He is with us no matter how big or how small our problem are…He is with us ALWAYS.
He will never leave us nor forsake us.
He will never stop loving us.
He is a faithful and merciful God.
He will forgive us, over and over again.
Remember that Joshua knew all about adversity. He wandered in the wilderness for forty years. He was “way qualified” in the adversity department. But, He never lost sight of the fact that God was with Him throughout it all. And when it was time for the people of God to cross the Jordan River, Joshua was named by God to take over.
When we go to Him in prayer we are trusting Him and surrendering to Him. Understanding that God’s way is far different than ours is a vital proponent in connecting with Him on so many levels. For although He is with us, He is far above us in all aspects, and so this is why we must surrender to His will and trust Him fully in order for Him to provide in a deeper realm, open up to Him and expose yourself entirely to His hands of mercy and Will.
Obedience is a “must” and a high priority in every believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enable us to walk obediently before God, in His strength, and His power. Amen.
Choose to obey Him, even if you don’t understand why He is asking you to do something…when we do, we can fully expect to become the person God is molding us to be, and to bear fruit that is highly favorable with the Lord almighty.
When we do all of this according to His will and purpose, you can expect to receive rewards that will overwhelm you with joy and love.
So at times, we need to be still and know that He is God… in order to fulfill our purpose according to the Master.
He is God. We are His. His will be done on earth as it is in heaven…
Be prepared, and prepare to do all that He wills in your life. Amen and Amen!
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