Day 18: Joshua 12
I write a lot of lists. They help me to remember the things I need to do and I enjoy the feeling when I tick things off.
However the List of Defeated Kings is in a whole different league! Its a remarkable account of the faithfulness of God.
Back in chapter one God made Joshua some pretty incredible promises. But they were conditional upon his obedience to the law and to God’s instructions. There was to be no compromise. Joshua needed to possess the land. The promises were not optional – they were commandments. The Kings who inhabited the Promised Land before the Israelites were well aware of the promises that God had made and were terrified. They knew their number was up! Imagine how much blessing would have been forfeit if Joshua had decided not to go into battle but to accommodate those Kings and their gods. Who is there that sees your life right now wondering if you really mean business?
During this time of preparation and sanctification, I want to challenge us all to get rid of anything that holds us back. What are we accommodating that we should be evicting?
Could I propose the following as our own Tick List?
Fears – they may seem reasonable but they stop us giving glory to God in all circumstances. Joshua was told not to be afraid.
Foreign Gods – basically whatever distracts us. You know what this means for you.
Relationships – are you more afraid of what people will think of you than you are of what God thinks?
Health – (this might seem a bit harsh!) I was challenged recently to pray for long-standing health issues which are ‘inherited’ where I accommodate them instead of applying faith to them.
Finances – are you trusting God? Are you making sacrifices? Are you giving?
All of these things can act as road blocks that get in the way when we’ve made a decision to move forward and take hold of our inheritance.
We all want a peaceful life; a land flowing with milk and honey. We all want to avoid pain and confrontation if we can. But without the battle we cannot possess the land! And maybe the idea of facing these battles is actually worse than the reality.
God has already promised us victory. How amazing would it be if a year from now you were able to look back at your list and see how God had changed your life and proved his faithfulness – it could change more lives than just your own!
Judy Reynolds
Leadership Academy Graduate