75 SUCCESS AFTER FAILURE F O O T ================================
- H O L D
READING
75 SUCCESS AFTER FAILURE
PRAY Reach out to me through your word today, Lord God.
READ Joshua 8:1-23.
THINK Is there an example or warning for us in this passage?
FOCUS After their victory at Jericho, the Israelites had been defeated at Ai (7:2-7). The reason for this is in 7:1 and 7:11. One man, Achan, sinned, but the whole nation was affected. So the matter had to be dealt with. Our reading today begins with God’s words of encouragement to Joshua after this event, ‘Don’t be afraid; or discouraged’ (8:1, GNB). There is a time for stopping and having a good look at ourselves and our progress. There is also a point at which we must move on. It is as if the Lord is saying this to his people here. GOD’S PROMISE – He promises success. ‘I will give you victory’ (1, GNB). It had not happened yet, but it was so certain that God spoke of it as if it already had. The New Testament speaks in the same way about Christians sharing in God’s eternal glory – it’s as good as done! ‘You may keep … ‘ (2). This time the Israelites were to be allowed to have the booty. If only Achan had waited! THOROUGH PREPARATIONS. Although God had given such a clear promise, Joshua and the people had their part to play – it called for wisdom, skill, and courage. God’s promise and Israel’s preparations combined to bring about the desired result. No doubt the men of Ai were made bolder by their earlier victory and thought they would easily repeat it. But they had reckoned without God! —————————————————————- PRAY Praise God that he can give you victory over things which at present seem to defeat you. Open your life to God’s help and strength.