No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Joshua 1:5-6 NKJV
Undeserved and unkind words stung. Just as fleshly weapons of retaliation began to take flight from my lips, I stopped. This person isn’t my enemy, but I know who is. An enemy that I can only fight with spiritual weapons. Ephesians 6:10-11 says:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
It commands us to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of God. It also promises the ability to stand against the schemes of the devil.
This passage promises that I will be able to stand against the enemy, but only when I follow God’s commandment. Commands and promises often walk hand-in-hand throughout the Bible.
God gave Joshua a promise and command in our focal verses. First, no man would be able to stand against Israel. This promise was enormous because Joshua knew battles were ahead of them. They would have to overthrow the pagan Hittites inhabiting Canaan. In the midst of the Israelites, doubters and discouragers would arise, promoting fear. God warned Joshua about the interference of men, whether friend or foe.
Dear friend, I want to encourage you today. Don’t allow anyone to stand in the way of the plans God has for you. If I had listened to well-meaning people, I wouldn’t have my guide dog, Iva. I certainly wouldn’t be traveling to churches speaking. I doubt I would be working with a publisher on my fifth book.
Next, God promised He would never leave Joshua or forsake him. To make sure Joshua understood this, God repeated it a few verses later.
This promise wasn’t just for Joshua, because the author of Hebrews reminds us of God’s constant presence (Heb. 13:5). God knows we periodically face moments of aloneness.
Then comes God’s command; Be strong and of good courage. God reiterates this command in verses seven and nine. We draw our strength and courage from the Lord.
You and I aren’t conquering new lands, but God has a call on our lives. He has a plan for you and a different plan for me. What has God placed before you? Who stands in your way? Who whispers doubt? Do you ever feel abandoned by God? Does fear arise?
In order to grasp God’s promises, we must adhere to His commandments. I know it seems difficult, but we are never alone. When we stay on track with God, we will reap the rewards of His precious promises.
Lord, we thank You for Your promises that You richly bestow upon us. Help us not overlook the commandments. Help us trust fully in You and not in man. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Here is another example of a command with a promise:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
HIKING THE TRAIL
What stands in your way? Is it someone filling your head with doubt and discouragement? Could it be a plot of the enemy to intimidate you and prevent you from moving forward? Pray through these questions with God.
OVERCOMING THE OVERWHELMING: WALKING IN VICTORIOUS FAITH WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL VICTORIOUS…a 30-day devotional by Carolyn Dale Newell
Each day, as you traverse life’s trials, Overcoming the Overwhelming will inspire you to keep pressing forward. It will be your light in the midst of darkness. As you read you will:
- Gain an understanding about spiritual warfare and discern the tricks of the enemy.
- Discover joy, peace, and strength in your struggles.
- Exchange feelings of helplessness for hopefulness.
- Learn to Walk in mountain-moving faith rather than doubt.
- Develop a clear picture of God’s love and acceptance, even in our weakest moments.
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Originally posted on January 6, 2020 @ 3:00 am