Don’t Look Back

Published: August 21, 2021 In: Price Tags

As an historical example of our spiritual conquest we have a beautiful Old Testament example.

Joshua and the children of Israel, in their possession of the land of promise, is a beautiful example of what the Lord has in store for us.

Joshua had been the equivalent of a second lieutenant in Moses’ army. He had served Moses in battles against such formidable foes as Amalek. He had been entrusted to go into the promised land on a reconnaissance mission. He reported they should occupy the land in a spirit of formidable opposition. His report was derided by many and he was criticized for being so foolish.

Moses was a man he had loved, served, and trusted. Then God said to Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead.”

Joshua’s moment had come. He was thrust into the leadership role bringing with him memories of all his past failures and criticism. Evidently he was looking back on Moses and his monolithic leadership. If so, he was feeling very inferior. 

Have you ever felt that way? Many adults carry with them into adulthood memories of their failures and putdowns. 

In saying “Moses my servant is dead” God was saying, “Joshua forget your past failures —- you are my man.” It was time for Joshua to admit God’s great investment in him. He must now put the past behind and lead.

Jesus put it this way, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” Luke 9:62.

Paul expressed it, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13,14.

God uses the same tactics for us He did for Joshua. How does God help us become more than conquerors? By giving us grace for the disappointments, strength for the trials, by giving us hope for the end of life.

The whole land of Cana was given to them but they could possess only what they would claim. The blessings God has provided for us are ours but we must possess them. How?

PRAY FERVENTLY, TRUST IMPLICITLY, SERVE VALIANTLY.