So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
Joshua 11:23 NIV
Victory does not come without obedience. Joshua took the entire land because he followed God’s instructions. Joshua battled enemies with greater numbers and better technology. In each battle, victory looked different, but in all of them God was faithful.
Our obedience will look different in each situation depending on what God wants us to do. We must ask for guidance. Obedience will keep us on the right track and away from contaminating influences. When we trust in our resources or the wisdom of the world, we will be led astray.
Additionally, obedience to those in authority over us is obedience to God. Joshua followed Moses’ instructions. It can take more faith to see God speaking to us through other people.
Joshua battled for seven years. Obedience can take a long time. It’s a daily choice, not a onetime act. Faithful obedience keeps our hearts soft before the Lord and keeps us out of a pattern of disobedience that leads to a hard heart that cannot hear God’s voice.
Ultimately, obedience brings peace. We can’t control our circumstances, but when we obey God, we will find peace in the midst of them. If you don’t have peace, look for where you’re not obeying. What are you trying to control that you should give to God?
Lord, open our eyes to the lie of control. Show us that next step You want us to take. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2017 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Jennifer Vander Klipp.