Life has been a bit topsy-turvy since getting a dog. Being the young pup that she is, she requires eyes on her whenever she is awake. That includes 6AM. I am a person of routine in the early morning, and Molly has seriously thrown a curve ball to that part of the day (kids at that hour are one thing, a needy puppy is another).
These past couple weeks have taught me that seeking God by praying and reading the Bible–no matter what the circumstances–has to be of utmost importance. Otherwise, I lose perspective and flounder through my days. So my early morning time with Him has become late morning, afternoon, or sometimes evening time.
Just wanted to share an encouraging thought from the Bible this week.
As some of you are reading through the Bible this year, you know that the reading right now is in the book of Joshua. In the first half of the book, the Israelites fight countless battles upon entering the promised land. The Bible makes it very clear that it was the Lord who delivered the enemy every time into the Israelites’ hands–it says over and over that “The Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel…” The Lord had already accomplished the victory. Israel just had to obey. When they obeyed the Lord, they won the battle with ease.
What does this have to do with life today? What things do we battle?
This can first be applied to how I battle sin in my life. Jesus has already freed me from the bondage of sin, but unless I seek His counsel (Joshua 9:14) and obey His commands (Joshua 10:40), I cannot realize the victory that could be mine. The temptation to compromise can be so great, and yet the consequences so devastating, just like with Achan (Joshua 7), who kept some pieces of gold and silver from the enemy after God told the Israelites to destroy everything. Because of Achan’s disobedience, the whole nation of Israel suffered, and Achan, along with his household, was killed. God demands perfection; my heart set apart for His glory and good use. If He has already fought and won the battle against sin, why would I not seek Him and obey His command?
Secondly, this story from Joshua can be applied to how I fight for souls. Whether it’s fighting the battle for one soul destined for hell, or fighting for an entire nation of souls, God is the One who hardens and softens hearts. And He is the One who goes before His people to accomplish victory for His Kingdom. If I seek Him (pray) and obey His commands, I can claim the victory for His Kingdom and His glory.