Success is not found in living without falling, but arising after every fall. Reach out for the hand of Jesus and watch him turn your weeping into something wonderful.
This will take faith in a Savior not a self-help solution.
How the Israelites Arose out of Defeat
The Israelites arose out of their defeat at Ai and came back on the scene in full force because they once again relied fully on God. Joshua did not decide how they were going to fight this time around—he allowed the Lord to lead him. This time they followed God’s commands and saw his redemption and victory.
Furthermore, God blessed the Israelites with the livestock and the spoils of the city.
God wants all his children to receive and enjoy their spiritual inheritance. However, the pursuit of the Promised Land does not mean following a formula.
We have witnessed three battles with Joshua, each one involving a different battle plan.
- In the battle with the Amalekites, the battle plan involved Moses raising his arms in prayer.
- In Jericho, the battle plan involved playing trumpets and shouting.
- In the battle against Ai, God’s plan involved an ambush and Joshua’s javelin.
When Christ ministered healing on earth, he told one man to put mud on his eyes, he told another to pick up his mat and walk, and another to return home because his son was healed.
Different instructions, different plans—the same Jesus.
Redemption comes not from a regimen I keep but a redeemer I determine to follow.
Let the Holy Spirit Lead You
There was a time when my shelves were crammed with Christian self-help books; I thought after reading just one more, and then another, I could reach the freedom we sang about in church. On days when I was “good,” I was full of pride and self-righteousness. On days when I “blew it,” I was filled with condemnation and guilt.
In the past, I would sit and listen intently as leaders spoke about their “victories.” I became frustrated because I was trying so hard, but did not see that lasting fruit. Instead of receiving what Christ wanted to give me, I had been trying to get it myself by following another person’s battle plan. Now I am focused more fully on Jesus, being taught as the Holy Spirit led me … and I began to see fruit.
The Importance of Changing Your Perspective
Part of this journey was a change in my perspective on God’s Word, from approaching it solely for information to seeking Holy Spirit revelation. God’s Word changed me and continues to do so as I look to the Holy Spirit to lead me.
This is why we created the Nourish Bible Study Method. The goal of Nourish is to connect with Jesus the source of life and share this experience with others as you live led by him.
Don’t get me wrong—I love and need teaching from my pastor and other Christians. However, they are only part of my spiritual journey. I seek to depend on Christ as my leader. I understand that following Jesus is not a method but a way of life.
Jesus is the only one who can take our broken hearts and make them brave through his perfect love.
Jesus. One name above every name. One answer for us all. Christ is the Savior, the Redeemer, and the Healer. We cannot change people’s lives, but Christ can. Transformation occurs through him. Christ is the answer for a lost world and for your troubles. He is the way, the truth, and the light.
Follow HIM and find true freedom. ARISE!
Nourish Scripture: Joshua 8
Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. © 2019 Treasured Ministries.
