Joshua 1:8-9 (NASBStr)
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
When I was just a boy two of the first verses I ever committed to memory were the above two. The story of Joshua and Jericho and his other exploits intrigued me. I was captivated by his victories and leadership, I assume. The key to his success was laid out to him by God. Like Solomon, who chose wisdom over wealth, Joshua was rewarded for his faithfulness. For the past 40 years he was a loyal, #2 to Moses. Moses had sent him and Caleb to the promise land as spies. Joshua was one of the two to give a great report and encourage the nation to go into the land. When Moses went up to the mountain to received the ten-commandments, Joshua was there. When Aaron and Miriam rebelled against Moses, Joshua was there. When Moses was in the mountain holding high his arms to God, Joshua was in the valley seeing the sun stand still as he claimed the victory for God. The key, however, to Joshua's success would not be his training, association with Moses, his experience, or his natural leadership ability. The key to Joshua's leadership would be that he committed wholly to the Word of God, memorized it, meditated on it, and obeyed it. God does not give us victory because of our experience, associations or skill-sets. He gives us victory because we, by faith, believe His Word and obey His Word. Meditate on it and you will be rewarded by it.
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