How can we trust God's plan for our lives like Israel did? Setting the Scene: Joshua 16:1 “The lot for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho, to the waters of Jericho on the east, including the wilderness that ascends from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel.” What Lot-Casting Shows About God’s Plan • Israel did not pick and choose territory; they received it by lot—an act that placed decision-making squarely in God’s hands (cf. Numbers 26:55). • The boundaries were precise. God’s plan was not vague; every hill, stream, and border was foreseen. • The promise to Joseph’s line (Genesis 48:21–22) is fulfilled here, proving God’s long memory. Trust Lessons Israel Lived • Submission over control – They camped where God said, marched when He led, and now settled where He allotted. • Patience in the process – Years passed between promise in Egypt and possession in Canaan (Genesis 50:24–25 → Joshua 16). • Confidence in God’s faithfulness – Not one word failed of all the good things the LORD spoke (Joshua 21:45). How We Can Live the Same Trust Today • Rest in God-set boundaries – “LORD, You are my portion…The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:5–6). • Lean, don’t scheme – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Wait with expectation – “Those who wait upon the LORD will inherit the land” (Psalm 37:9). • View every assignment as providence – “All things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28). Anchoring Trust in God’s Character • He is sovereign—casting lots belonged to Him (Proverbs 16:33). • He is faithful—“I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11). • He is good—“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). • He is personal—He called Joseph’s descendants by name; He knows yours (Isaiah 43:1). Putting It Into Practice 1. Identify the “boundary lines” God has already drawn—family, job, church, community. 2. Thank Him for each one, even if it feels limiting. 3. Ask where obedience, not alteration, is needed. 4. Recall past fulfillments of His promises to strengthen present trust. |
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