Following God

I love the Old Testament book of Joshua.  It captures the history of the people of Israel as they finally enter the Promised Land.  Joshua had faithfully served as Moses’ aide and now was the leader of God’s chosen people.  And as Joshua assumed this new role, he stood strong before the people because of God’s promise to him.  “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Joshua 1:5

Throughout the book of Joshua, we read about God leading His people to occupy the land He had promised Abraham many years earlier.  God led the people by leading Joshua.  Fourteen times we read, “The Lord said to Joshua…”  Joshua enjoyed a close, personal relationship with God; the very relationship God desires to have with you and me.

That’s why there is a section in the book of Joshua that is somewhat puzzling.  There is a story that doesn’t seem to fit.  It is summed up by this verse that seems to really stand out.  “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.”  Joshua 9:14

“They did not consult the Lord.”

How did this happen?  Why did this take place?  What were they thinking?

God had faithfully led Israel throughout the ages.  He called Abraham, worked through Isaac, wrestled with Jacob, provided for Joseph and guided Moses.  Now, Joshua was the man and God had been leading him step-by-step through the early days of Israel taking possession of the Promised Land.  Starting with Jericho, God was taking out the enemy one-by-one.  His people stood in awe of His power and strength.  Now, this matter of receiving a people from a distant land seemed only to be a small issue.

And yet this time Joshua acted on his own.

Now before I try to straighten Joshua out, what about times in my life when I’ve acted on my own?  When I look back, I see that God has faithfully led me through the years.  I can point to times, even before I committed myself to follow Him, that His hand has been all over my life.  So what changes in me that I move forward without consulting the Lord?

It appears that there are times when I simply act as if I know what is best.  There are seasons when I feel that everything depends on me.  There are decisions that seem to make sense in my mind.  Simply put, I choose to act on my own.

My challenge, and I’m guessing it’s your challenge as well, is to walk closely with the Lord day-by-day; to follow Him one step at a time.  Not only when the issues are big, but also when the issues are smaller in nature.

I pray for you, and for me too, that we would walk closely and listen well as we journey with God every day.