I started reading through the book of Joshua today. In the first chapter Moses, who is Joshua's mentor, has died. God calls Joshua to take Moses' place, to lead Israel, to receive the presence of God with him constantly, to claim the promises of God. I know that when I'm put in a position of leadership, there can be feelings of inadequacy, intimidation, fear or discouragement. I need to take to heart God's words to Joshua, they're not a helpful suggestion, they're a command. God has a plan for my life, and in order to accomplish what He sets before me, I need to be strong and courageous. That implies that I can be strong and courageous, and that is encouraging. (I just realized as I'm typing this out, that 'encouraging' basically means 'making courageous'. I ought to look into that more closely, and receive courage from the things that God has said to encourage me.) God promises Joshua a lifelong commitment, and I believe that if I am committed to God and His purpose for my life, then I have no need of fear or discouragement, because I can always count on God being with me. I can't live life purely from my own strength, I am made to rely on God's strength, but the strength that I have has been given to me by God, and I must not deny its existence, but use it to its full potential for God's call, and His kingdom.
In chapter 4, just after miraculously crossing the Jordan River on dry ground during flood stage, God has Joshua set up a memorial to the work God has done for them. It's so important to keep the memory of God's work fresh, remind myself and tell others what God has done. That's one reason I'm excited about the Godly Man Project - it's a tangible reminder of God's work in my life, it should help me stay accountable to follow through on God's instructions to me, and I hope it will encourage others to build their own memorials to what God has done for them.
How about the way that the Israelites conquer Jericho? I think it's interesting that the man who gives Joshua the plan calls himself the commander of God's army, and doesn't stop Joshua from falling at his feet in reverence. God's angel in Revelation does stop John from doing that. Also, he tells Joshua to take off his sandals because he's standing on holy ground, the same thing God tells Moses at the burning bush, suggesting Joshua may be speaking with God Himself. The man says that he is neither for them or for their enemy, and I think this is showing that God will see His will accomplished and we can either be on board with it, miss out on it, or actually oppose it. God does not declare His allegiance to any nation, His plans are supreme, and a person or nation can choose to be allied with Him, but God will always be the one determining what course to take.
The way that God tells Joshua to take Jericho is exactly the way it works. If God tells me to do something a certain way, I had better do it that way, because whether it makes sense to me or not, He knows what He's doing, and He has the best plan, as well as His own reasons for why He says to do something a certain way. As I trust Him, and follow His lead, I will accomplish what He sets out for me to do.
God, I commit to You, and to doing things Your way. Help me see that there's always a bigger picture than myself and what I can see. Even if I never know why You do things the way You do, I will trust that You are good, and You know what You're doing. Amen.
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