From Joshua 13:1-7
Joshua is the leader of Israel and under his time in this role they have started to conquer the Promised Land. It would be understandable if the Israelites had started to attribute some of that success, some of that victory to their human leader. In these verses however, God gently reminds Joshua and Israel that He is the one behind their victories. He promises that, despite Joshua’s advanced age, Israel would continue to overcome their enemies. He promises that He Himself will drive these other people out. In preparation for that He instructs the leadership to divide up the land for the remaining tribes of Israel. This reminds me of a saying I had heard somewhere, prayer is asking for rain, faith is carrying an umbrella. God was asking the Israelites to figuratively carry their umbrellas, to trust that He would finish the work He had started and bring them fully into the Promised Land.
Different people in our lives will take on leadership roles for our spiritual lives. Pastors, friends, mentors, Bible study organizers, even members of leadership teams at church all have roles of leadership. When those people transition out of those roles for different reasons, sometimes there is a temptation to worry about the future. But we follow the same God who continued to take care of Israel, even after Joshua’s death. We have a God who promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20) and regardless of the human leaders in our lives, He will be there and support us in the ways He knows we need.
Focus on God
We are reminded in these verses that God graciously leads and protects His people.
Function in Our Lives
We are encouraged to trust in God, regardless of the human leaders He puts into our lives.
Topics to Pray About
- Thank God for the faith leaders you have been impacted by.
- Confess to God the times where you put more stock than you should in human leaders.
- Ask God to surround you with people who lift up your faith.
In His Service,
J. LeBorious