Expectant, Eager and Energized

his fame was in all the land. (Joshua 6:27)

Joshua is remembered as a powerful figure in history. He led the Israelites into the Promised Land, defeated powerful opponents and brought reality to their dreams. What was the source of his power? Was it his wonderful education and postgraduate training under Moses? Maybe it was his charismatic personality, persuasive speeches or his muscular build. Could it have been his ability to rapidly build consensus, efficiently educate, or effectively create management structures in a large organization?

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, "What has my lord to say to his servant?" (Joshua 5:14)

At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time." So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel.. (Joshua 5:2)

The source of Joshua’s power was right relationship. He trusted, listened and obeyed while God led, protected, and empowered. The question is not whether God is on our side but whether we are listening and obeying enough that we are on God's side. It's extremely easy for me to get in the habit of going through the motions of prayer, worship and life while missing out on the reality of a genuine connection with God. Just wearing the label, appearance and reputation of a Christian does not make an empowered life. God does not honor the brand name. He energizes the life of the person that has a genuine faith who expectantly listens and eagerly obeys.

So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land. (Joshua 6:27)

Project:
Let’s consider whether we have genuinely listened to the Lord today.
Have we actually obeyed God in something we feel He is calling us to do?