Another Chance

As we follow leaders and take our steps as leaders, many times we can get disappointed or feel like, “If I just could do this again, or go there again.” We can feel “I need another chance.” I’ve seen God do this many times. We were disappointed, discouraged and he gave us another chance to see how he works all things together for our good. We can get lost in the past and not see what God has now and tomorrow. Maybe you had a loss of a dream, relationship and maybe a death. When my wonderful husband of over fifty years went to his reward. I left our church, friends, location and I needed another chance. BUT GOD knew the new plan, locations, relationships and another person to share my life and dreams. It has been almost nine years, and I have seen daily, step by step his guidance and how I have been given another chance.

Israel, his people, had been without a homeland for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). They had lived in bondage to Egyptian Pharaohs, then wandered aimlessly in the desert for over forty years. Being in a wilderness for forty years is beyond our understanding especially when they had to trust God for their existence moment by moment. God had to provide their water, food and protection from their enemies.  They complained and failed many times. Now they were at the threshold of experiencing the fulfillment of their promise – another chance.

Now, Moses was dead, and they were following a new leader. It was a new day; a new way and he was about to lead his people into their inheritance. As leaders, I know you have a new day, and he will show you the new way as you continue to trust him each day.

God’s mercy unfolds as God fights for his people, stands with them in suffering and oppression, assuring them, “I am Yahweh -your God. I will be with you wherever you go.”

JOSHUA’S GREAT COMMISSION:

Leaders may die but God’s promises live on. Leadership is not hereditary but established by the call of God on one’s life.

1. JOSHUA HEARS THE CALL.

Joshua 1:2 Moses is dead. Now it is time to get up! Prepare to cross the Jordan River, you and all the people. Arise.

A. He was given his orders.

They were camped along the Eastbank of the Jordan River at the very edge of the Promised land. They are completing the mourning period for Moses who had just died. Now it was time to “get up,” “arise,” and make new steps.

B. He had to be diligent in carrying out the orders.

Faith and obedience to God brings the victory while unbelief and disobedience bring tragedy. The older generation had died and now it was time for the new generation to get up and make their long-awaited claim.

C. He will give us specific orders.

Yesterday is gone and it will never change. Tomorrow is yet to be. How can we affect tomorrow? Today, the only possible way.

What is God speaking to us to do today and in the future? How much time has it been since we have failed to get up and make that move, a small step or big step that will change our destiny and the course of us and others. Only you can answer that!

2. JOSHUA GIVES THE COMMAND.

What qualifications did Joshua have to lead these commands?

*God appointed.  * One of only two living witnesses.  * Moses personal aide for 40 years and * One of 12 scouts (he and Caleb) who had complete confidence in God.

A. He had to step out/march.

Joshua 1:3 Every place that the sole of your feet will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

B. Pack your bags, prepare provisions. Verse 10-11

Get ready to leave the old behind; because you are not returning to this place and enjoy another chance of your inheritance.

Sometimes, God requires us to pack and not look back. Is there anything you need to pack for your new day?

D. Every day was to be an adventure.

Within three days, everything was going to change forever. Joshua’s new job consisted of leading more than 2 million people into a strange land and conquering it. What a challenge. Every new job (step) is a challenge.

E. Without God it can be frightening.

Just as God was with Moses and Joshua, he is with us as we face challenges. We may not conquer nations, but we face tough situations, difficult people and temptations.

I remember how frightening it is to move across miles, even across the nation, to a new location. We had met people, but we had no clue what would happen or how the future looked. We got some surprises, but God was with us always making a way even when it seemed impossible.

Without Him, we cannot, without us, He will not. Cooperation with the Holy Spirit is essential to victory. He empowers us to fulfill our call and complete the task at hand. The Holy Spirit’s work is supernatural.

3. JOSHUA RECEIVES ENCOURAGEMENT.

A. God repeatedly assured Joshua of his presence.

When He is with us; we can go anywhere and do what he has ordered.

B. God gave Joshua seven promises.

 1.     He would possess a vast territory. V 3-4

2.     No one would be able to defeat him. V 5

3.     God would be with him as he was with Moses. V 5

4.     God would never fail him. V 5

5.     God would never abandon him. V 5

6.     He would enjoy prosperity and success. V 8

7.     God would be with him wherever he went. V 9

C. When Joshua was given promises, there were requirements.

1.     Be strong and have good courage.

How do we do this? Rely on God’s strength and wisdom nor your own. Allow God’s abiding presence to give you courage. Know that Jesus promises to be with you will keep you from terror or discouragement.

2.     Observe what I have told you to do.

Do not turn to the right or the left!  Do not get distracted.

3.     Meditate on this book of Law Day and night! 

4.     Remember the word which Moses commanded you.

WE MUST LOOK AT THE FINE PRINT; SEE THE PROMISES AND REQUIREMENTS. 

CONCLUSION:

When we look at all that happened in the journey of God’s people leaving Egypt, and in the wilderness, it is an example to us of what to do and not to do. God did give them another chance to go into the promise land. It was a promise, but they still had to cross over and conquer. I wish I could say we have arrived, but we continue to be on a faith journey.

Remember what God promised Joshua, he also promises us for all that was promised to this Joshua is fulfilled in the better Joshua (Jesus) in whom we are included for receiving all of God’s promises are yes and amen.

I want to encourage you; listen to God’s leading and follow what he says. We can have success!

Many think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and relentless desire to det ahead. He gave Joshua the instructions how to be successful and that was following God’s words. You may not succeed by the world’s standards, but you will be a success in God’s eyes and his opinion is more important.

NEXT LESSON: We will study the information and steps that Joshua needed to follow to Conquer and Occupy. That is our goal.

REFLECT:

1.     What are your orders from God?

2.     Is there anything that is hindering you from getting up and obeying?

3.     How are you leading others to their inheritance?