Today’s Reading: Joshua 3–6, Psalm 118

God wanted Joshua’s attention and his focus. He wanted him to study and be familiar with God’s law and listen obediently to God for his every move. Joshua’s success was dependent on this obedience. Joshua was commissioned by God with very specific instructions:

– Be strong and courageous, I am with you
– Be obedient

Joshua’s faith and obedience were tested in the first city they came to. God told Joshua – you have never been this way before, SO FOLLOW ME for tomorrow I will do AMAZING things among you (3:3-5).

The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses. Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: ‘When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there.’” – Joshua 3:7-8

TEST #1

The Jordan River was at flood stage and, in order to follow God, Joshua had to cross the Jordan. FEAR OR FAITH? God gave Joshua very clear instructions and told him to obey with strength and courage. They were to step into the rushing waters with confidence in the Lord. It wasn’t until their feet touched the Jordan that the river parted and dry ground appeared in front of them. They chose faith and not fear, and experienced many AMAZING things just as God had promised (Joshua 3:15-17).

TEST #2

Jericho was “tightly shut up” and God gave Joshua specific instructions. They were to march around the town once a day for six days. God’s people were told to not say a word until they were given the instruction. This was not a sneak attack but rather a 6-day display in front of their enemies. FEAR OR FAITH? They chose to be patient and obey, and they experienced AMAZING things (6:2-20). On the seventh day, they marched around the town seven times with the priests blowing the horns. When they gave one final long blast, all the people began to shout as loud as they could, just as the Lord had instructed Joshua.

Suddenly the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. – Joshua 6:20b

Do you want to see God do AMAZING things in your life as much as I do? We have a choice – FEAR OR FAITH. What will it be? When moments appear today that are obviously God-ordained appointments, let’s step forward in faith and obedience. Let’s be strong and VERY courageous!

In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. – Psalm 118:5-6a