“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” –beautiful lines penned by an anonymous author. This statement is so true in the life of the main character of today’s Scripture reading – Joshua.

After forty years of wilderness journey under the able leadership of a mighty leader Moses, the people of Israel have reached the borders of the Promised land only to stare into a future without anyone to lead them into the promise.  It’s at this juncture we see the will of God unfold for Joshua who hears the call of God to lead the people into the Promised land.

An important lesson we learn here is that the foremost requirement for anyone to serve the Lord is not a Bible college degree, great eloquence or ability but to hear a very specific call from God. In Vs. 1&2 we see God calling Joshua and assigning him the task to accomplish.  This same God over the years has called many a man and woman to His service. Are you and I serving Him because we have heard His call over our lives? If not, we will be unable to perform our duties because our thoughts and time will be taken up in the affairs of this world. Jesus speaks a clear message to all of us in His service in Luke 9:62: “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

What would give Joshua victory in the face of opposition now having understood the magnitude of his call and task?

Its only on the promise that God gives him in Vs.5 “No man shall be able to stand before 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.”    From crossing the Jordan to dividing the land among the tribes, Joshua knew that God was the one who was leading him.

Just as God promised Joshua, Jesus before returning to His Father promised us in Matt. 28:19&20 that He will always be with us unto the end of the ages as we labour for Him in His vineyard. Shouldn’t this be the only reason we need to step out to make disciples? Joshua believed Him and conquered nations! Today if we take God at His word we will win nations for him! Paul gives this testimony in 2 Cor.2:14: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”  So a Christian’s victory is none other than the Presence of God with him/her.

What does God expect of us now that he has called us and has promised to see us through the end?

We are called to stay strong and courageous in the face of every cultural, intellectual and spiritual influence by observing and meditating on the Word of God (Vs.7 &8). Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power by putting on the whole armour of God; and the only offensive weapon in the hand of a believer is the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God that will give us victory when we face our enemy.

Joshua finished his race triumphantly so did many after him who followed the principles written down today. A good lesson to practice!

Quote for the day: “No soldiers of Christ are ever lost, missing or left dead on a battle field.”~JC Ryle