God’s Best.
Joshua 1:8-9NKJV
When I think about the children of Israel I think about a people who had to fight. They fought to let go and they fought to obtain possession. However, fighting wasn’t God’s intention for them. God wanted to control their walk. God wanted to control their comings and goings.
On several occasions, in fact multiple times, God gave His chosen firm advice and warnings. In fact, from beginning of creation, God desired habitual fellowship.
Joshua 1:8-9NKJV This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 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.”
In the garden of Eden, God wanted to walk with Adam and Eve. For God’s creation to be strong, meant total reliance and full trust. In Genesis 12, God told Abraham to walk, stand and trust.
Again, God states, This book shall forever be in your mouth. You shall meditate in it day and night. Then as you observe the book and do what is written in it, You shall prosper and have good success.
In Joshua chapter 1, Upon the death of Moses, God gives Joshua direct orders on, how to obtain good success.
God say’s:
1. Arise, Go over Jordon... Land with milk and honey. Giants aren’t your concern.
2. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you...
3. God gives Joshua the demographics of the territory to possess. “-It shall be your territory!”
4. “I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” Time and time again we are told, “I will be with you.” 5. “Be strong and of good courage,” is spoken by God, 3 times, in 9 verses.
Joshua 1:8TM And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed.
This book reveals destiny. This book spells out victory.
What happened? Why was there so much turmoil for the children of Israel? It seems to me that the children of Israel suffered greatly. They seemed to fight all the time.
The Lord spoke, “If you don't listen and obey you'll have to fight. (Consider the children of Israel).
The children of Israel were distracted, their distraction caused, loss of plans along with pain and suffering. This equals, many wounds, and scarring, and even casualties.
Gods best comes as you wait. Waiting prepares you for surprises.
God states in, 2 Chronicles 20:17NKJV You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
God states, there’s no need to fight, position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!
Say that after me- “There’s no need to fight.”
Paul gives the early church a word on warfare: Ephesians 6:10AMP In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.
Working and striving spell mistrust. You’re saying, “I’m in charge. This spells pride. I don’t need your help!”
2 Chronicles 20:21-23NLT After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”
22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.
What does the salvation of the Lord look like? Victory, Jesus glorified.
It looks like men and women placing full confidence in the Lord.
Here’s the results, 2 Chronicles 20:25-26NLT King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 26 On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.
Aren’t you ready to change that valley of confusion and chaos into a valley of blessings!
God’s saying, “Trust Me. Put worship up front. Wait. Your waiting will- speak volumes to the Lord. Worship, confuses the enemy. Your rewards are not from this world.
Joshua 1:9TM Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
This strength and courage transpires as you wait. God’s best doesn’t come from this world.
Benediction.
