Joshua is preparing to face the greatest challenge of his life and ministry, taking a nation of nomadic people who have lived in the desert for forty years under God’s protection and provision into a land of walled cities, giants and great armies with armor, chariots and horses. The challenge is daunting and in human terms downright impossible. Even the first step of getting across the Jordan River will take a miracle from God.
Maybe you are facing what seems to be a formidable challenge or task. Maybe it is sickness, a family or financial problem, or something in your work or ministry. It might be a promise of God or something God has asked you to do that is beyond your capability. Don’t think that this is something unusual or that no one else is facing or has overcome what you are facing. The Bible and church history is filled with normal everyday people who by God’s help and power have overcome insurmountable problems and done the impossible.
Let us look at some keys to overcoming. In the Scripture we have just read, God gave Joshua a command. This is not just some advice or a word of encouragement. This is something that God Almighty is ordering Joshua to do in the midst of this seeming insurmountable challenge. No matter what you are facing today, your Heavenly Father, “the Commander of the Lord's army,” (Joshua 5:15) says, “be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, or be dismayed.” As born again believers, the Holy Spirit (God himself) resides within our spirit. When the challenge comes, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to arise in us and command out soul nature (mind, will and emotions) to come under the authority of our spirit man and God’s Word.
Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” One of the weapons we are exhorted to put on is “the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Paul calls these “fiery darts” because they not only pierce us, but if left alone they will consume us. These fiery darts may be fear, discouragement, doubt, depression, resentment, unforgiveness or anger.
When Joshua took on the challenge God had given him to take the land of promise, he faced fiery darts. You may be facing some fiery darts. When we walk with God and in His will and purposes, fiery darts will come. The key is to not allow them to continue to burn and consume us. We have to rise up in faith, meditate on and declare God’s Word and promises, “for all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” I Corinthians 1:20
“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." May you be encouraged today to stand and believe God.
Andy Clark
P.S. I have received requests for these devotionals in French and Portuguese. If you feel led, would you be willing to translate these into one of these languages for me? If you do not have time to do it weekly, could your do one a month? Please contact me and let me know at avclark@juno.com. Thank you, and may God bless.
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