Seek Strategic Discernment to Proceed

Reading: Joshua 8 and 9

The story in today’s reading shows the Israelites repenting and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Ai reminds us that God gives second chances. When we fess up and truly repent, our good God is eager to lead us in triumph.

God had clearly outlined His requirements and promised victory. Joshua responded by turning the promise into a strategic plan of victory—giving specific instructions to his soldiers and positioning them in tactical locations. One key move involved baiting the leaders of Ai to launch an early morning attack on the Israelite army, leaving their city defenceless. This led to its downfall at the hands of Joshua’s 5,000 men, who were patiently waiting for the signal—Joshua’s raised javelin.

Be strategic like Joshua. Don't just let life wash over you, as so many people do. Make intentional decisions that will bear much fruit.

· Can you be strategic in your serving this year?

· Can you be strategic in making life-giving choices?

· Can you be strategic in inviting people to church?

· Can you be strategic with your finances and your giving?

Sadly, in chapter 9, we see that in life, there will be those who seek to deceive us intentionally. The Israelites looked at the evidence presented by their guests, who claimed to be from a far-off land, and accepted their story without consulting the Lord. This led to discontent and conflict among the Israelites later on.

Be careful not to rely on your own sense of being "smart"— there will always be someone "smarter"! Joshua was clearly outsmarted by the Gibeonites. We must rely on God’s wisdom, especially in difficult or unclear situations.

Perhaps more significantly, Joshua entered into a covenant relationship with these people, one that went on to affect generations. Some today say, "Don’t commit to anyone or anything—not to a church, or leaders—because you might get hurt. But that wasn’t the lesson here; it’s making the wrong commitments that are costly and hurt." Love what God loves—seek what God seeks.

Friends, if we are to see a breakthrough in this new season, we must not rely solely on what we see with physical eyes—we need to consult the Lord and hear His voice in the situations we face. When we purposefully seek Him first, God can give us the upper hand over those who may try to take advantage of us.

The scary thing is that it was Joshua—the man of God—who signed the treaty with the Gibeonites. Even those who walk closely with God, His very own crème de la crème, can fall prey to the enemy's cunning if they fail to check in with the Lord.

If we seek the LORD, He will give us discernment—discernment that protects us from all manner of deception the enemy may send our way.

Meditation

1. Strategy and planning are not the tools of the enemy, but servants of God! What strategic, godly decisions can you make now that will help you bear fruit in the season ahead?

2. Consider the crafty inhabitants of Gibeon. Can you recall times when you sought the LORD and He protected you from deception? Stay open to the discernment God gives in such situations—it could be the very thing that keeps you on the right path.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, please guide me each day. Help me not to be rudderless, but give me strategies that come from You. Help me to live intentionally, making Godly plans in this new season so I may take great steps forward in my relationship with You and in building a healthy, Christ-centred life.

Lord, help me to walk so closely with You that I can spot the lies and deception of the enemy from a mile away. Keep me from ever making agreements without first hearing Your opinion. Today I choose to consult You in every area where I need direction, so I won’t be caught off guard.

Please grow the gift of discernment in me—and in my brothers and sisters in Christ. Speak to me, Holy Spirit; guide me, I pray, Amen.

All Things are Possible!

Reading: Joshua 10 and 11

In Joshua 10:8, God tells Joshua not to be afraid, even as the kings of many nations form an alliance and come to wage war against the Israelites. We can only imagine how the Israelites must have felt—knowing that multiple armies had joined forces against their relatively ill-equipped troops. You wouldn't blame them for taking a deep breath or even gulping at such news.

Fear can be a powerful force in our lives. Let us ask the Lord to help us in areas of fear and anxiety—both in our lives and in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Take time today to pray for all those who have become paralysed by fear and anxiety.

Joshua's faith in God was so absolute that he believed God could cause the day to be prolonged by stopping the sun in the middle of the sky, giving them complete victory. Remarkably, this chapter reveals not only Joshua’s strong faith but also highlights his deep relationship with the LORD as he lived among the people. This challenges us to live a life truly connected with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.

You might have heard the saying, “higher levels, higher devils.” In the previous chapter, the allied armies advancing against Israel were utterly defeated. Now, in chapter 11, an even larger number of kings and armies come against Israel—an army described as being “as numerous as the sand on the seashore.”

Once again, the Lord tells His people not to be afraid, for He Himself would deal with their enemies. The LORD gives victory over all these kings and their vast armies. Joshua obeys the Lord's commands completely, and this obedience leads to a time of rest from war.

Meditation

1. How can you grow your faith and trust in the LORD so that, when challenges and fears come, you are able to face them with faith in Him?

2. Scripture says, "Let God arise." Note the word "let!"—we can hinder the move of God by being overly self-reliant. Joshua cast off this mindset when he spoke to the sun, showing his reliance on God. Today, choose to cast off self-reliance and cast your cares on Him.

Prayer

Lord, I ask that You help me in the area of fear—both in my own life and in the lives of those around me. When challenges come and fear begins to rise, may I put my trust in You and in Your promises, drawing my strength from You. Let faith arise in me, just as it did in Joshua, that it may please You, Lord, and cause the enemy to flee.

LORD, I pray that fear would not paralyse me. Instead, when difficulties come my way, help me to trust in You and step out in faith. Rid me not only of the sins that so easily entangle, but also of anything that limits my effectiveness as a believer. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.