Moving On and Moving In

Reading: Joshua 1 and 2

Should old acquaintances be forgotten? It is said that friendships are worth more than gold or silver; however, as we begin this season of prayer and fasting, we can look at new ways of doing things, new ways of thinking, new structures, and new practices. We can either relive past glories and failures, or adore old favourites—or we can see what God is doing now, welcome the new, and step into God's promises and plans for today.

In Joshua 1:2, God speaks a sharp word to His people—Moses is dead! He's not coming back. It is a new day. Nothing truly dies when a man of God dies; it simply changes hands.

The chapter doesn't need to state who the new leader is—that was obvious—but God simply needed the people to let go of the former ways.

We surely are the modern-day Joshuas! A generation poised on the edge of a huge breakthrough. May the LORD tell you that He has vast lands for you—spacious places. He has land earmarked for you and your family. May the LORD say to you, “Be strong and courageous!” We are about to cross into uncharted territory. The old things that once sustained us—old manna, old ways, old victories—won’t cut it, but drawing near to the One who lights our path is the way forward.

Our mindsets truly do matter. In chapter 2, we see that Rahab and her family were saved through the scarlet cord. As followers of Jesus, we are saved through the shed blood of Christ. He is the scarlet cord that saves us. Remember, Joshua was born a slave in Egypt; this image of himself had to be transformed into the victorious leader he would become.

The gospel can be seen in every book of the Bible, and Joshua is no exception. Rahab, a prostitute, acted in faith to save herself and her family through a scarlet cord. She is commended for her faith in the book of Hebrews. When Rahab turned to God from her lowly state, He exalted her, even placing her in the genealogy of Christ Himself. Know this: no matter what state you are in, God will receive all who turn to Him today.

Meditation

1. Reflecting on Joshua in these chapters: Are there old mindsets you're still carrying? Ask God for the grace today to keep growing and moving forward. Let go of old mindsets as we begin this fast.

2. Reflecting on Rahab in these chapters: Do you know that you are born again, saved, and forgiven? If not, give your life to Christ today - don't delay.

Prayer

Lord, in this new season, please help me to let go of anything You want me to let go. Please help me to obey Your command to be strong and courageous, and to be a person who sees with eyes of faith, like the two spies in Joshua chapter two. I pray that You will lead me to those like Rahab, who will turn to You and be saved. Please help me to continue on this journey of prayer and fasting. I ask this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer of faith

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and surrender my life to You. Wash me clean. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for my sins, and rose again on the third day for my victory. I believe this in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Saviour and Lord. I receive eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Serious Preparation Required

Reading: Joshua 3

There will always be a moment of “camping by the water before crossing over.” Facing the deep, immovable waters while knowing that God is completely able is a paradoxical moment of faith. It’s like knowing the impossibilities, whilst being certain that God is about to move.

As the saying goes, “Success is 90% preparation, 10% perspiration.” Joshua tells the people to consecrate themselves, “for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” Consecration means dedicating yourself fully to God. It also means being willing to risk everything—wholly leaning into God and standing on all that He has said and promised.

This heart posture is captured in the words of a missionary who died for his faith:

"He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." — Jim Elliott

Not long after this point, the costliest of the Israelite’s possessions, the Ark of the Covenant, went into the water first. That's what you call risking it all! It’s a powerful picture: if we truly want to see a breakthrough in any area of our lives, our relationship with God must come first.

Consecrate yourself today, child of God, for the LORD is going to do amazing things among you.

Meditation

1. How will you prepare and consecrate yourself to the LORD today and in the days to come?

2. Have you experienced a “camping by the river” moment in your life, where you faced a significant challenge but chose to trust God for the miracle to come? How did you respond in that situation?

Prayer

Dear Lord, I bow my knees and choose to consecrate myself afresh to You. Help me to be a holy vessel for You to use in the days ahead. As I face the challenges of these coming days and the challenges of life, deepen my faith and trust in You. Help me to know that You are still in the business of making roads through rivers.

Lord, just as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant went into the river first, may my relationship with You go before all else. This I ask in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.