February 6, 2020
The Greatest Battle Plan
LYSA TERKEURST
Listen to this devotion“Now when Joshua was close to Jericho, he seemed up and noticed a person standing in entrance of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went as much as him and requested, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’” Joshua 5:13 (NIV)
We’ve all been there at one time or one other. Dealing with unattainable circumstances, whereas concern whispers in our ear concerning the certainty of our defeat.
That’s one of many many causes I’m so grateful for God’s Phrase. As a result of tucked into its pages, we discover story after story of people that assist us be taught within the midst of our battles. Individuals who present us what it means to look to and depend on the Lord.
Take Joshua, for instance. If ever somebody may really feel overwhelmed at a scenario completely out of their management, Joshua’s expertise going through Jericho was it.
Not solely did the wall surrounding Jericho look invincible, however there was additionally the problem of Israel’s military missing correct weapons for tackling such an impressively guarded metropolis. You possibly can’t precisely pull down partitions with arrows and spears. That’s a job for battering rams and catapults — gadgets noticeably lacking from their arsenal.
However they’d come too far to show again. And the individuals of Israel have been relying on Joshua to guide them into this land promised by God.
With all these information and particulars weighing on him, Joshua is all of the sudden confronted by a person with a drawn sword. Scripture reveals that is no mere human. That is the commander of the Lord’s military — God’s presence in human type. And that is no on a regular basis incidence both. It’s an unbelievable encounter.
Seeing the person is prepared for battle, Joshua asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13b)
Wrapped on this trustworthy query, we uncover hesitancy in Joshua — a peek inside his thought life — and a necessity for reassurance. Such an trustworthy query, nevertheless it makes me consider Joshua isn’t strolling in full confidence and assurance. If he have been, he wouldn’t have requested. However he did.
That is the place we assume, after all, God’s presence will reply, “Joshua, I’m with you, for you, and in your aspect!”
However we’d assume unsuitable.
When requested, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the presence of God replies, “Neither, however as commander of the military of the LORD I’ve now come” (Joshua 5:14a). Joshua falls face down in humility and reverence — asking what message the Lord has for him, His servant (Joshua 5:14b).
I ponder what sort of message Joshua was anticipating, even eager for. Maybe one overflowing with conflict technique and ways. However as an alternative of detailed plans, Joshua receives a name to worship. He’s advised to take away his sandals, for the bottom is holy. (Joshua 5:15)
It’s an invite and a reminder for Joshua to worship the One who’s not solely large enough to deal with the approaching battle, but additionally loving sufficient to deal with the doubt, concern and insecurity working by Joshua’s thoughts. And as Joshua slips off his sandals, I’m reminded of what I would like within the face of my personal seemingly insurmountable conditions: I would like to fret much less and worship extra …
Once I’m determined for God to offer me all the main points …
Once I’m wishing He would give me the tiniest peek at His plans …
Once I’m beginning to surprise if He’s for me or towards me …
I have to pause, carry my eyes to the One keen to fulfill me within the midst of my fears and worship Him. Worshipping not solely as a result of it honors Him, but additionally as a result of it adjustments me.
Worship may not be the very first thing that involves thoughts once we really feel overwhelmed, nevertheless it actually is highly effective. It reminds our trembling hearts and shaky knees that our God is mighty, our God is loving, and our God is a more-than-able God. It each quiets us and strengthens us — completely getting ready our hearts and minds for no matter battles lie forward.
I don’t know what “partitions” you’re going through in your life proper now, good friend. I don’t know the way overwhelming and daunting they appear. However I do know the proper battle plan for each certainly one of us.
Fear much less. Worship extra. And belief our God to guide us into victory.
Father God, thank You for reminding me one of the simplest ways to organize my coronary heart and thoughts for battle is to easily and humbly worship You. So at present, as I lay my fears down at Your ft, I carry my arms as much as You in worship. You might be worthy of my belief. You might be worthy of my reward. At the moment and daily. In Jesus’ Identify, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 29:2, “Honor the LORD for the glory of his title. Worship the LORD within the splendor of his holiness.” (NLT)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Begin discovering aid from concern or doubt about how issues will end up with 10 Scriptural truths you possibly can declare over your scenario proper now in Lysa TerKeurst’s new Bible research on 1 & 2 Kings, Reliable: Overcoming Our Best Struggles to Belief God. Order your copy here at present!
CONNECT:
Discover real-life encouragement while you connect with Lysa TerKeurst on Instagram.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Are you at present going through any overwhelming circumstances? What features of God’s character are you able to deal with at present to shift your focus from fear to worship? Join the conversation here.
© 2020 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
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