WE ARE NOT IN CHARGE (JOSHUA 2)
When Joshua faced the first great hurdle as the leader of the Jews he felt alone, but God appeared to him to reassure him he was not alone (see the last blog). He had a second truth to teach him.
When Joshua went out alone before attacking Jericho, God appeared to him to reassure him he was not alone. When Joshua asked who He was, He said He was the commander of God’s army (Joshua 5:14). He reassured Joshua He wasn’t in the Jews army or Jericho’s army. He was in God’s army. In fact He was the head of the army because He was God Himself. You see, Joshua thought he was the commander of the army, but really God is showing Joshua that He outranks Joshua. So Joshua is not the highest ranking officer. God Himself outranks Him and is taking command from Joshua. Joshua only thought it was his battle when in reality it is God’s battle.
As I write this, I am reminded that I am not in charge of my life or ministry. I must remember God is in control, even over what I say and do. He puts the words into my mind and I speak them with my mouth.
Your ministry is God’s ministry, your church is His church. He is the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), the sheep belong to Him, not you. He promises that He will build His church (Matthew 16:18). It is His work, not ours. That is great reassurance for all of us. I am not in charge. He is. I need not worry, get upset or try to force things. I am not alone, and I am not in charge. Neither are you.
Joshua 5:13-15 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Are you a person who wants/needs to be in control? If so, confess your lack of faith in God because it is a sin. Give God control of your life, especially what you fear and worry about. Don’t think it is up to you. You are not in charge. Thank God for that fact!
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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