WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

  

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        

Memory verse: v 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 (New King James Version).

In our text, God used the phrase “Be strong and of good courage,” 3 times in verses 6, 7 and 9. God used this phrase repeatedly because that was the area He has endued Joshua but he seems not to have understood that. He wants Joshua to understand that He is with him and has empowered him to lead the Israelis into the Promised Land.

Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, had severally proved that he was, yet needs these exhortations. The reason is that his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new. Again he needed the exhortation because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses; and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect that the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for his shoulders.

God expected Joshua to make His law, his rule. He was charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. This is what is expected of us too in our Christian race wherein we face stiff challenges as Joshua faced. How much time do you spend in meditating on the word of God? We show the highest and noblest courage when we faithfully discharge our duties. There is no coward that makes it his great object to obey the known will of God.  

Most times it is in the area of our strength that devil brings fear to intimidate us. Joshua knew that he has the charisma, character and ability to lead the people yet, he was reluctant and unwilling. In the days of Gideon, he was afraid of the Midianites even when he has the power. It was the power in him that made the angel of the Lord to urge him to go in that strength. What are the areas of your strength? Are you using them to its full potential or you are waiting for God to emphasis on it?

Food for Thought: Most times devil intimidates or tempts us based on our strength.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognise my strength and use it for your glory.