In what ways can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? Nothing hidden from the Lord Joshua 7:18 shows God narrowing His search until Achan is singled out. The Lord’s people had been defeated at Ai because one man secretly disobeyed the clear command not to take anything under the ban (7:1). That single act stalled the entire nation’s progress. God’s will was unmistakable; Achan’s theft was equally unmistakable to Him. • Hebrews 4:13 – “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” • Psalm 139:23-24 – Invite Him to search and reveal whatever He already sees. Personal inventory: asking the hard questions To keep our steps in line with God’s will, we willingly place our lives under His light, just as Israel’s tribes lined up before Joshua. 1. Search your motives. Why am I doing this? (1 Corinthians 4:5) 2. Examine your habits. Do any contradict clear commands? (James 1:22) 3. Review your stewardship. Is anything withheld from Him? (Malachi 3:10) 4. Evaluate your relationships. Are reconciliation or forgiveness overdue? (Matthew 5:23-24) Immediate obedience matters Achan surely heard the prohibition in Joshua 6:18, yet he shrugged it off. Delayed or partial obedience is still disobedience. • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Practical commitments: • When Scripture speaks plainly, stop looking for loopholes. • Build the reflex of saying “yes, Lord” before you debate the cost. • Celebrate quick obedience stories in your home and church to reinforce the culture. Guarding the small decisions The cloak, silver, and gold looked insignificant next to Jericho’s wealth, yet they derailed an entire military campaign. Little compromises often carry big consequences. • Songs 2:15 – “Catch the little foxes.” • Galatians 6:7 – we reap what we sow. Daily safeguards: • Keep short accounts with God—confess immediately (1 John 1:9). • Invite accountability; secrets die in the light (Proverbs 27:17). • Set practical fences: filtered devices, budgeting tools, scheduled rest. Relying on divine guidance Israel sought God’s direction after the setback and discovered the cause. We, too, must ask before we act. • Proverbs 3:5-6 – trust Him, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. • James 1:5 – ask for wisdom and expect an answer. Ways to listen: • Stay in the Word daily; His will is never contrary to it. • Pray specifically about decisions, then wait for peace confirmed by Scripture. • Heed the Spirit’s promptings; disquiet in your conscience is often a warning. Living in community accountability Achan’s sin affected everyone; the remedy involved everyone. God still uses community to keep us aligned. • Hebrews 10:24-25 – spur one another on toward love and good deeds. • Galatians 6:1 – restore one caught in transgression with gentleness. Community habits: • Small groups where confession is safe and counsel is biblical. • Church discipline practiced with humility and purpose, not shame. • Mutual encouragement—celebrate obedience and growth, not perfection. Hope after failure Though Achan’s story ends in judgment, Joshua 8 records renewed victory once sin was dealt with. God’s will for us includes restoration and forward movement. • Psalm 32:5 – “You forgave the guilt of my sin.” • Romans 8:1 – no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Moving forward: • Receive His forgiveness; don’t wallow in yesterday’s defeat. • Learn from the stumble—what fence or habit could prevent a repeat? • Re-engage in His mission; obedience opens doors previously closed. Putting it all together Aligning our actions with God’s will today means living transparent lives before Him, obeying promptly, guarding the small choices, seeking ongoing guidance, embracing accountable fellowship, and trusting His restoration when we fail. What God revealed beside Jericho, He still reveals: blessing follows wholehearted obedience, and He graciously provides the means to walk in it. |
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