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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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”
-Selected.
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