Joshua 24:13
“I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’”
Yet again, God begins another book establishing Himself as Sovereign Lord. He gives Joshua, the new leader, a pep talk about courage because Joshua was tasked with taking Israel across Jordan and conquering the land. They would take several years to fight battles and separate out the land, but God promised that Israel would be completely successful.
It is evident that we play a part in God’s plan, and, like Israel, we work for what we have, but ultimately, God gives everything to us. All praise and glory belong to God.
You would think that Joshua and his people could brag because they fought well or had a tremendous strategy. However, with deeper investigation, Israel was weak. They didn’t know how to fight. They had no strategy. With each victory, word spread to the next town that God was with His people. The enemy was not afraid of Israel. The enemy was afraid of their God.
If you read Joshua you will find that Rahab the Harlot is saved and Jericho collapses, the sun stands still, and God stops the flow of the Jordan river for Israel to cross. The journey is glorious even with a few bumps along the way.
Oh, people of God! Your victories are because of your God. Your successes are because of your God. Therefore, keep serving Him. Be courageous to obey Him. Give God all the credit!
- What blessings do you enjoy that you did nothing to earn? Take some time to be grateful for the ways that God is evident in your life.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?