DAY 10

THREE PRINCIPLES FOR VICTORY

Joshua 1:9 and Mark 4:39 (NIV)

Joshua 1:9 “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.”

Mark 4:39 “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet!  Be still!”  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

When Jesus calmed the raging sea, (in Mark 4:35-41), He did it not so that they could witness another miracle, but so they might be caught up in the reality of His strength and personal care for them.  Jesus allowed fear to captivate their hearts briefly so they could lean on Him. Jesus’ disciples found their strength in Him.

Joshua faced a similar situation as he prepared to lead Israel into the promised land.  In Joshua 1, God calls Joshua to lead the people, regardless of his age or background.  Although he was chosen by God to complete the task, Joshua struggled with thoughts of fear and failure. This is a good reminder that we can learn to be good followers, which can help us lead effectively later in life.  God is simply looking for people who will trust Him and allow Him to use them in extraordinary ways.  

In Joshua 1, God’s presence is what matters, and it will usher His power into our life.  God promises to be with us (like he promised Joshua) wherever we go and however hard the task before him is.  This is a reminder that God is with us and we have nothing to fear.

And the Lord gave him three principles to keep him focused on the victory of God’s strength: 1) MEDITATE on the Word of God daily; 2) FOCUS, be watchful and not distracted by the turmoil around him; and 3) OBEY: do exactly what God told him to do.

When you begin to realize who Jesus Christ is and how much He cares for you, your faith level will increase.  The greater your faith level, the clearer His strength will become in your life.

Remember what the angel of the Lord said to Joshua: “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” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).

Heavenly Father, I choose to meditate on Your Word today instead of my own circumstances.  I want to be watchful and not distracted by the turmoil around me.  Help me to do exactly what You tell me to do. I pray you will increase my level of faith today as I focus on who You are.  

Prayer Points:

Personal:  Holy Spirit supernatural power in our lives.

Community:  Connect Groups (leaders, members, lives transformed) and Next Steps