Decision Magazine. BGEA: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I
trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV).
Joshua
“In the Old Testament, Israel had waited to move for 40 years. God gave them
three days to get ready.
Wherever we go, whatever we do, will put us in contact with circumstances that
are beyond our control. When the people of Israel were about to face enemies
that had been described as giants, God told Joshua not to be terrified or
discouraged. Terror is a response to that which strikes like
lightning--something unexpected, something overwhelming, something before which
we cannot stand. Terror also is a person trembling in anticipation of the
worst-case scenario.
Discouragement is not so much a flash of lightning as a fog bank. It's what
happens when we are alone, when hope is gone. Discouragement comes when we feel
worthless and incapable. Though not as spectacular as terror, discouragement may
be more lethal.
The people of Israel were about to face enemies that had been described as
giants. We all face giants on a regular basis. What do we do when we feel
trapped, when giants seem to be converging on us? We take our burdens to God and
leave them there. Four truths from the life of Joshua underscore God's provision
for the needs of His people.
• First, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rest in God's presence:
‘As I was with Moses, so I will be with you’ (Joshua 1:5, NIV). God was with
Moses, He was with Joshua, and He is with us. He won't forsake us. In the
darkest night, He is there.
• Second, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rely on God's power: ‘No
one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life’ (Joshua 1:5,
NIV). No one! The universe is under God's control--He leads forth the stars. Not
one star is missing.
• Third, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we believe God's promises:
‘I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses’
(Joshua 1:3, NIV). … ‘You will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to
their forefathers to give them’ (Joshua 1:6, NIV). Note that God's presence
provides us the power to appropriate His promises. God promises to get His
people over the river. He will be with us when the river is calm. Enjoy His
presence. When the river is a torrent, trust His power. When difficulty comes,
rely on God's promises.
• Fourth, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we obey God's Word: ‘Be
careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to
the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go… . Meditate
on [the Book] day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written
in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful’ (Joshua 1:7-8, NIV).
Success is predicated upon obedience to God. To do that we must grow in our
personal relationship with God. We must trust His power, claim His promises and
obey His Commandments” (Joe Aldrich).
Prayer
Lord, too many times we let the circumstances around us prevent us from looking
to You. Thank You that at these times Your presence remains with us. Teach us to
trust You more. Use the hard times to draw us closer to You. We want to be more
trusting and obedient each day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I
trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV).
Joshua
“In the Old Testament, Israel had waited to move for 40 years. God gave them
three days to get ready.
Wherever we go, whatever we do, will put us in contact with circumstances that
are beyond our control. When the people of Israel were about to face enemies
that had been described as giants, God told Joshua not to be terrified or
discouraged. Terror is a response to that which strikes like
lightning--something unexpected, something overwhelming, something before which
we cannot stand. Terror also is a person trembling in anticipation of the
worst-case scenario.
Discouragement is not so much a flash of lightning as a fog bank. It's what
happens when we are alone, when hope is gone. Discouragement comes when we feel
worthless and incapable. Though not as spectacular as terror, discouragement may
be more lethal.
The people of Israel were about to face enemies that had been described as
giants. We all face giants on a regular basis. What do we do when we feel
trapped, when giants seem to be converging on us? We take our burdens to God and
leave them there. Four truths from the life of Joshua underscore God's provision
for the needs of His people.
• First, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rest in God's presence:
‘As I was with Moses, so I will be with you’ (Joshua 1:5, NIV). God was with
Moses, He was with Joshua, and He is with us. He won't forsake us. In the
darkest night, He is there.
• Second, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rely on God's power: ‘No
one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life’ (Joshua 1:5,
NIV). No one! The universe is under God's control--He leads forth the stars. Not
one star is missing.
• Third, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we believe God's promises:
‘I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses’
(Joshua 1:3, NIV). … ‘You will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to
their forefathers to give them’ (Joshua 1:6, NIV). Note that God's presence
provides us the power to appropriate His promises. God promises to get His
people over the river. He will be with us when the river is calm. Enjoy His
presence. When the river is a torrent, trust His power. When difficulty comes,
rely on God's promises.
• Fourth, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we obey God's Word: ‘Be
careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to
the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go… . Meditate
on [the Book] day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written
in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful’ (Joshua 1:7-8, NIV).
Success is predicated upon obedience to God. To do that we must grow in our
personal relationship with God. We must trust His power, claim His promises and
obey His Commandments” (Joe Aldrich).
Prayer
Lord, too many times we let the circumstances around us prevent us from looking
to You. Thank You that at these times Your presence remains with us. Teach us to
trust You more. Use the hard times to draw us closer to You. We want to be more
trusting and obedient each day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
