In what ways can we trust God to lead us into our "promised land"? Opening the Text Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Foundational Truths about God’s Guidance • God’s promises are irrevocable; what He vowed to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) He fulfilled through Joshua. • His presence is personal and continual — “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8). • Obedience to His Word conditions our experience of the promise (Joshua 1:8). Ways We Can Trust God to Lead Us into Our Promised Land • Confidence in His Character – He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). – His faithfulness endures to every generation (Psalm 119:90). • Reliance on His Presence – “The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud… and by night in a pillar of fire” (Exodus 13:21). – Jesus echoes the same assurance: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). • Submission to His Word – Meditation and obedience unlock prosperity and success (Joshua 1:8). – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Courage in the Face of Opposition – Giants in Canaan did not nullify God’s oath (Numbers 14:8-9). – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). • Patience with His Timing – Israel’s wilderness years illustrate that delay refines, not denies (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). – “Through faith and patience we inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). Practical Steps to Live This Trust 1. Declare His promise aloud each day; speak Scripture over your situation. 2. Align decisions with biblical commands, even when shortcuts look appealing. 3. Cultivate daily awareness of His nearness through thanksgiving. 4. Confront fear immediately with God’s Word; replace “What if?” with “God said.” 5. Celebrate incremental victories as tokens of the ultimate inheritance. Encouraging Examples • Joshua: refused to be intimidated by fortified cities; saw walls crumble (Joshua 6). • Caleb: held onto God’s word for forty-five years and received Hebron (Joshua 14:10-14). • Ruth: trusted covenant faithfulness and stepped into Boaz’s field, becoming part of Messiah’s lineage (Ruth 2-4). Living the Promise Today Our “promised land” may involve callings, ministries, marriages, or areas of personal freedom. As we rest in God’s character, rely on His presence, obey His Word, walk in courage, and wait on His timing, He leads us—certainly, safely, and completely—into every inheritance He has prepared. |
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