SCRIPTURE: Joshua 10
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” [Joshua 10:8] Humanly speaking, this mission is doomed to fail. The odds are against Israel; they do not stand a chance against the fortified, armed and organized armies of Canaan. Fear is a natural response to an impossible situation. But the Lord says, ‘do not be afraid’. Why? Because of what the Lord will do. ‘I have given them into your hand’. As we read this chapter, we need to see especially the Lord’s role in the military victories – the hail, the sun standing still, the repeated victories, these are all because of Him!
The first disciples also faced an impossible situation. The odds were against them. Taking on the Jewish establishment, or the organized religions and societies, how could they succeed? They were few in numbers, and the ‘world’ they were called to penetrate was strong, secure, well-defended. Their message seemed weak – repent, believe? Put confidence in a crucified King? Turn the other cheek? Take up the cross? Wash feet? Again, fear is the natural response to an impossible situation. But Jesus says, Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. [Luke 12:32]. Again, the reason for confidence is because of God, Who is pleased to give them the kingdom.
As Jesus-followers called to advance the kingdom in the world, facing impossible odds, situations and challenges, we can be confident because the Lord has decided to give the world into our hands. Our confidence is not in our numbers, our buildings, our programs, our strategic plans… our confidence is in the Lord. He is able to direct nature itself (the hail and the sun) to make us successful. He is working invisibly behind the scenes while we work visibly in the world. He is preparing the way before we come, and He will use what we do to accomplish His kingdom purpose.
Practically speaking, as we represent Jesus in our conversations, our acts of service, our relationships, He is working to help us succeed. I am getting to know some people who are not Jesus-followers, for the specific purpose of connecting them to Him. At times I am nervous as I speak, but then I hear this encouragement, do not be afraid, I have given them into your hand! I don’t know exactly how the Lord will work through me, but I can be confident that He will!
PRAYER:
Lord, do something today that will help ________ experience You in a dramatic way, that they may surrender their heart to You!
“Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” What an encouraging word from the Lord. With an encouragement like that we can be more than conquerors – and Joshua was! He was doing the Word of the Lord – what He had commanded. What power! What strength! What a victory! God, our God was mighty to save, then – but now?
Our God is the same then and now. Joshua took the Lord God at His word and went forward. I too need to take Him at His word and go forward for my God still today is mighty to save! Increase my dependence, my faith on You so that I live this day as a mighty Jesus follower and that You use me to show Your great acts of might and power and of Your presence.
Help me to take my stand for Christ today in a mighty way in all I do and say.
Chorus 1:
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
(You’re marvelous) You’re marvelous and You’re glorious (glorious)
Your love has made me victorious
You took away the fear in us
Now we praise You ’cause You have delivered us
There ain’t no stoppin’ us (there’s no)
Devil, there ain’t no blockin’ us (there’s no)
Come on and clap your hands with us
(Like this ya’ll, like that ya’ll, c’mon)
Repeat Chorus 1
(You’re marvelous) You’re marvelous and You’re glorious
Your love has made me victorious
You took away the fear in us (there’s no fear, not here, no)
Now we praise You ’cause You have delivered us
There ain’t no stoppin’ us
Devil, there ain’t no blockin’ us (that’s good stuff right here)
Come on and clap your hands with us
(Like this ya’ll, check the switch ya’ll, right here now)
(That’s what I’m talking about)
(I said He reigns) He reigns
(I said He reigns) He reigns
(He reigns) He reigns
(C’mon now) He reigns
(He’s in control) He reigns
(He’s all I know) He reigns
He reigns (He is the one)
Repeat Chorus 1
Chorus 2:
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above (my God is awesome now)
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God (He’s the one in control)
Our God is an awesome God (I know)
He reigns from Heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
(I said He reigns) He reigns
(I said He reigns) He reigns
(He reigns) He reigns
(I said C’mon now) Forever and ever
(Forever and ever) He reigns
(and ever Lord, I know) He reigns
He reigns