Word IMPACT!ಮಾದರಿ

Day 8

WHEN GOD SPEAKS, IT TAKES COURAGE TO ACT ON HIS WORD

When God, by His grace, speaks to you, it usually creates a crisis in your mind. “That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts…” (Heb 3:7-8)

When God speaks and reveals His plan to us, the challenge is many times so enormous and looks so impossible that our natural reaction is to doubt. The challenge of the fortified cities and the presence of the giants was so enormous for the spies that they didn’t believe it could happen. (Num 13:28) Their feedback was filled with fear and unbelief. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God…” (Heb 3:12). Unbelief takes us a step away from God. Belief, on the other hand, is a step closer to the living God. Believing that with Him, the living God, everything is possible, as the angel Gabriel told Mary. (Luke 1:37)

God specializes in the impossible!

It takes a strong heart and lots of courage to move with God. He told Joshua, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law (instructions) which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” (Jos 1:7) Then God reaffirms the massive challenge that lies ahead of Joshua and what he needs to do to prosper and have good success in executing God’s word and plan.

“This Book of the Law (instructions) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night (speak it, pray it, murmur it), 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. (Jos 1:8) And then God seals it. “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." (v 9)

Things quickly got crazy for Joshua.

·God commanded the people to enter the land by crossing a river that was in full flood! When God speaks, it is seldom convenient. (Josh 3)

·Then we are going to knock out our own army out by circumcising all the warriors, just when we enter the enemy’s territory. (Josh 5)

·God’s battle plan to conquer the first city, Jericho, is hilarious! Just walk around the city. (Josh 6)

On his way to spy on Jericho, Joshua had this incredible encounter with the living God. (Jos 5:13-15)

Joshua encountered this warrior who was battle-ready. His sword was drawn. The brave soldier that Joshua is, went over and asked a very important question. “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” (v 13)

“He said, “Neither. I’m commander of God’s army. I’ve just arrived.” (v 14) The answer had Joshua face to the earth, worshiping the living God in a total act of surrender.

·God doesn’t take sides

·The Commander of the Lord’s army has just arrived

·He is taking charge!

Joshua’s reaction is like, “What do you want your servant to do?” (v 14)

“Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, 'Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.” (v 15)

Barefoot worship is following Him with all that we have and wholeheartedly embracing the calling, the will, and the purpose that He has planned beforehand, for us.

Father, Thank you for grace to live in faith and obedience when You speak and to embrace Your call, will, and purpose.