Mustard Seed Thoughts #9

The Red Sea is the salvation experience. We need to be born again. God then leads us to the place where He has intended for us to be/go to fulfill our purposes on earth. The exciting thing is that it is a path of faith: we cannot anticipate what will happen in the phases of this journey. The only requirement is that we leave our lives and plans in the hands of God. In a way, this is total abandonment. Dare we trust Him to take care of us for our future?

That was what the children of Israel had to do. As they entered into the Land of Promise, there were abundant blessings and opportunities that awaited them. It is true with us. There are adventures, promises, blessings etc awaiting us as God’s children. We should be excited about the prospects that our lives are going to experience the ‘great wonders of God’ in provision, healing, relationships, opportunities, networks, wealth, ministry etc. Entering the Promised Land is only the beginning…..the rest of the journey will be full of the promises of God. God is waiting on the other side. However, that is the one part. The other part is the covenant relationship that we must maintain with God to ensure success in all that we do.

In Joshua 7, God had a plan for them. They were to conquer and vanquish anyone who came into their path. They were the victors, not the victims. They were to take possessions of lands and places that God would give them. That was God’s Plan. We are not to live aimlessly. God has a plan for all our lives. The way for this plan to unfold is to take the step of faith daily. Before the first step out of the house, we should have committed ourselves, our day, our activities, our all before the Lord; acknowledging that we wish to follow Him and His Plan. The daily small steps will lead to the giant leap that will happen in the future. Are we connected with God on a daily basis? In everything we do, do we acknowledge Him? Is He in charge and in control? How much does God rule over our lives or are we ruling?

The Israelites learned a costly lesson. They did not obey God when they were in their battles. When they failed to achieve their purpose, they blamed God. Josh 7:7. When we do not allow God into the picture, we face Paralysis. This will thwart our progress. Achan kept idols and stuffs that he was supposed to destroy upon the annihilation of the enemies. This was God’s guiding Principles. If we want to succeed, we must adhere to these principles. Godly principles cannot go wrong in life, relationship, business, politics, ministry, ethics, judgment etc. If we acknowledge God daily, we will have no problem in living out these principles. It is God’s way or the wrong way! In the failure of Achan, he had to rectify his wrong. His action affected everyone. They were asked to Purify. (Josh 7:13) Do not despair if we divert at times but the key is to return to God and His principles. This is the way to live again. They did just that- put away the wrong and make it right. This is repentance. They realized that there was no other way to live or go. There is no life and meaning outside God. God’s purposes are always to bless us not to destroy us. Follow them and we will succeed. He works His plans through His principles: the rules of life to succeed. If we have gone astray, like the Prodigal Son, we must return to the Father’s home. He is waiting to restore again. When we reach home, we will be welcomed and be on track with His Purpose again. The children of Israel learned this very important lesson; we must learn from them. We will commit our lives to God and to acknowledge Him in all that we do.