What can we learn from Joshua's response to setbacks in our spiritual journey? Setting the scene: defeat at Ai After Jericho’s stunning victory, Israel’s 36-man loss at Ai felt catastrophic. Morale collapsed, and Joshua fell before the LORD. Joshua’s candid lament “Alas, O Lord GOD, why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been content to dwell on the other side of the Jordan!” (Joshua 7:7) What we learn from Joshua’s response • Honest lament is not unbelief – Psalm 13:1-2; Habakkuk 1:2 show saints pouring out confusion yet remaining tethered to God. – Joshua doesn’t abandon faith; he processes pain in God’s presence. • Leadership humility invites divine correction – He “tore his clothes and fell facedown” (7:6). God later says, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face?” (7:10). The posture readies him to hear hard truth. – James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Setbacks signal a holiness check – The LORD: “Israel has sinned…you cannot stand against your enemies until you remove what is devoted to destruction” (7:11-12). – 1 Corinthians 10:12: “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • Responsibility before remedy – Joshua leads a thorough investigation (7:14-18) instead of blaming God or soldiers. – Matthew 7:5—deal with the plank in our own eye before addressing others. • Swift obedience restores momentum – Once Achan’s sin is judged, God says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you” (8:1). – 1 John 1:9: confession clears the path for renewed fellowship and victory. • God’s presence, not past success, secures the future – Exodus 33:15: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” – Yesterday’s miracle (Jericho) cannot substitute for today’s dependence. Take-home truths for our journey – Bring confusion to God honestly; He can handle hard questions. – Bow low enough to hear corrective truth. – Examine our lives for hidden compromise when progress stalls. – Act promptly on what God reveals—delay prolongs defeat. – Measure success by ongoing reliance on God’s presence, not by yesterday’s trophies. |
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