In what ways can we encourage others to be ready for God's promises? Grounding Our Encouragement in Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and command the people: ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’” (Joshua 1:11) God’s command through Joshua is crystal-clear: get ready, because the promise is about to unfold. The same pattern equips us to spur friends, family, and fellow believers toward readiness today. Highlight the Certainty of God’s Promise • Point to the unambiguous language in the verse—“the LORD your God is giving you.” • Underscore that His word is never tentative. “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) • Confidence in Scripture’s reliability fuels courage in others. Share God’s Word with Clarity and Frequency • Joshua sent a clear, simple message: “Prepare.” • Pass along straight-forward, Scripture-saturated encouragements—no clutter, no doubt. • Echo Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we confess, for He who promised is faithful.” Call People to Concrete, Practical Action • “Prepare your provisions” reminds us that faith expresses itself in tangible steps. • Modern parallels: – Set aside time for daily Bible intake. – Rearrange schedules around worship, not the reverse. – Establish giving, serving, and mentoring rhythms. • Readiness grows when spiritual truths translate into visible habits. Model Confidence in God’s Timing • Joshua specified “within three days,” indicating urgency without panic. • Live and speak as though God’s timeline is perfect, even when unknown to us. • Psalm 27:14 urges, “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” Remind One Another of God’s Past Faithfulness • Israel could recall the Red Sea, manna, and victories over foes. • Invite people to rehearse personal testimonies of answered prayer and past deliverance. • “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) Strengthen Hearts Through Mutual Support • Joshua addressed the whole camp, not isolated individuals. • Intentional community: – Regular fellowship where Scripture is read aloud. – Sharing burdens so no one prepares alone. • “Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Keep the Focus on God’s Presence, Not Human Ability • The land was “the LORD your God is giving you.” Success hinged on Him. • Deuteronomy 31:6 reassures, “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Trust cancels paralysis; Proverbs 3:5-6 steers hearts away from self-reliance. Maintain a Forward-Looking Mindset • Joshua pointed to what lay “across the Jordan,” not what was behind them. • Encouragement lifts eyes to coming fulfillment rather than past failures. • Philippians 3:13-14 celebrates pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Live the Example • Joshua had already embraced the promise personally; credibility followed. • Consistent obedience, cheerful expectancy, and visible joy communicate louder than words. Putting It All Together • Anchor every encouragement in God’s unbreakable Word. • Translate belief into practical preparation. • Link arms in community, recalling past victories, trusting present guidance, and anticipating future fulfillment. Through these simple, Scripture-shaped practices, we help others stand ready to step into everything God has promised. |
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