Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Joshua 7:1-5. God has never asked for anything other than obedience. He has never asked us for excellence, perfection, or strength. God has requested obedience, faith, and love!
“But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things[a]; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri,[b] the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.
2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
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3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.”
Obedience is more powerful than 1,000 men!
So often we become overly confident and arrogant. After success delivered by God, many people think that they can continue in the victory, and often in their own power and strength. It is often difficult to comprehend when the Spirit of God leads and when do. Many of those that call themselves Christians have learned what to say to impress those around them.
It becomes too easy to depend on and trust in our own ideas and work. The word I have heard so often used in churches today is “excellence”. They have replaced obedience with perfection. While we can get everything well oiled, we can never bring the power of God in our own efforts. Only God can do that!
Israel was embarrassed taking on the enemies arrogantly in their wisdom and strength. Today we will see the same results if we do not wait and patiently follow God’s lead. No matter how long it may appear, God is working all the angles for His way and glory.
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, Father God, forgive me for running out so often on my own. I have often tried to impress You and man with my efforts and skills. I surrender to Your leadership and say that I will be obedient above being good!
In Jesus Name,
Amen