Follow the Signs!

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Today's Passage> Joshua 1: 1-9
Memory Verse> Josh. 1:9

There are a few distinct signs the Lord leaves for us to let us know when we're embarking on a new season in our lives. The first one is this sense of change, sort of like the ending of a chapter and the beginning of another. It's the same way we know when summer is coming to an end and fall is beginning. Somehow, you know you can't do things the same way you've done them for the past year or two. I guess it's like growing out of clothes -- there's just no way you can keep wearing them when they're simply too small. Another clue is this knowing in your knower that the new thing you're walking into is bigger than you. You know it because you can see it in the distance, looming ahead like the mighty mountain it is, insurmountable except for the awesome grace of God.

Here's the sign that instills fear: the enemy knows that we're on the verge of change, too. And since his whole reason for being is to stop us from reaching that next level, you know it's real when things start to stir up all around you. All of a sudden, issues that seemed nonexistent now begin to surface. Problems that you thought you'd fixed ages ago seem to "pop" up from out of nowhere. This is a manifestation of satan's reminder that you can't possibly be thinking of going to a new place in God-- you're not ready, you're not worthy, and you're certainly not able. All of a sudden, we're faced with the possibility that we may not have heard God at all when He said, "Go." And if He didn't really give us the green light, this means certain failure, because He won't be with us every step of the way.

Today's passage is a testimony of God's antidote for fear: be filled with His courage. If you stop for a minute and think about it, you'll see that God's been preparing you for this place before now. He's equipped you to handle the larger demonic forces, so you are not defenseless against them. God had Joshua shadowing Moses from the time he was a young man. He saw firsthand how intimately Moses walked with God, and did his best to obey everything He commanded. He learned how to get results through obedience, and knew that if God told Him would be with him, He was going to keep His Word. In spite of the new enemies on every side, Joshua was very much aware of how none of that mattered because God was in control of it all.

We're privileged to have God's blueprint for conquering fear right between the pages of this book. First, know that He's walking with us every step of the way-- Jehovah Nissi, our banner, before whom no man can stand. Second, never give in to the fear, for it does not come from God and will therefore only be temporary. Third and foremost, obey every command of God. Don't detour to the left or right from it. It's the only way to arrive at our destination safe and complete. If we follow these signs, we are on a collision course to our next level to the glory of God.

Prayer: Father, how awesome You are to leave Your blueprint for us to follow so that we can complete the tasks You have set out for us to accomplish. May we spend our days meditating on Your Word, hiding it in our hearts so that we won't miss the mark. You've commanded us to go; we obey with no reservations. Use us for the fulfilling of Your will on this earth in Jesus' Name, Amen.