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Photo Credit- S Khan (creative commons)
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Now then,
you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I
am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will
give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. – Joshua
1:2b-3.
I’ve kept coming back to the book of Joshua so far in 2015. There
are so many lessons we can gleam from the book of Joshua. This portion of
history, where the Israelites finally enter the Promised Land, is full of
examples of how much God loves us. It’s got me thinking about the “Promised
Lands” in my life, and things we can learn from Joshua as we pursue the calling
God has placed in our hearts.
1. It all
starts with faithfulness: Joshua was Moses’ aide for many years before
he led the people of Israel into the Promised Land. I imagine the work was not
easy, but Joshua was faithful. He stayed true to his task and focused on God.
2. God is
with us. In chapter one of the book of Joshua, God says Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). God reminds Joshua to be
strong and courageous three times in that first section. And he promises to be
with him.
3. If our
plans are God’s plans, they will happen. Who would have thought that by
marching around Jericho 7 times, that the mighty walls of that fortified city
would crumble to the ground? God had a plan for Joshua to lead the people to
this victory, and when Joshua obeyed the Lord’s commands, the walls fell down.
Joshua went on to win many battles and claim many victories for the people of
Israel, and all was according to God’s plan for Joshua’s life.
4. The
pursuit is not always easy, but God’s promises are true. The
journey for the Israelites was long and difficult. They messed up quite a few
times along the way. But God made a promise, and he came through for His
people. He also promised Joshua that “No one will be able to
stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be
with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:6). It’s powerful
to see throughout the book of Joshua how God kept his promises.
It is so encouraging to see how God throughout history has
been with His people. He loves us so much and wants the very best for us. The
“Promised Lands” in my life may seem impossible or insurmountable, but if God
is involved, nothing is impossible. So friends, if you’re struggling to
understand God’s plans in the midst of troubles, or if you feel like you’re
constantly faced with pain or insurmountable odds, know that God is with you.
He instills dreams and passions in our hearts for a reason, and it’s not to
tease us or to discourage us. It may take longer than you would have liked, or
it may be a bumpy path getting there, but keep your eyes focused on Jesus. Be
strong and courageous! God is with us, and He wants the best for us.
Emily
Laney is a social worker, educator, and justice seeker. She has worked
with vulnerable populations in the United States and abroad and loves
to help startup nonprofits reach their goals. She is a Passion City
Church door holder and leads a team of abolitionists at Not for Sale
Georgia. She loves her husband Brent and their rescue pup Biscuit.
Sunsets and Sushi make her happy.
You can connect with Emily on twitter @emilylaney or on her blog www.emilylaney.com
You can connect with Emily on twitter @emilylaney or on her blog www.emilylaney.com
