There is one thing constant in life, and that is change. We all deal with this phenomenon differently depending on the substance and contents of our being. Some seem to plunge into the shifting and altering moment with absolute confidence, where others retreat, folding with uncertainty and trepidation. I believe these two responses are based solely on what influences you allow into your life, such as who you hang around and what you listen to. Allow me to explain.
The best story of change is found in the book of Joshua where we read that Moses has passed and his servant Joshua son of Num, is to take over as his replacement. The counsel that the Lord gives Joshua is key and vital to our lives and current situation.
What I find so insightful is that the Lord does not give Joshua five steps to winning a war even though defeating nations inside the promised land was not only inevitable but part of his assignment. Nor does the Lord give Joshua ten leadership secrets, which no doubt would have been abundantly useful considering his new position. What the Lord does give Joshua is a statement that shaped the success of his life. Let’s read these verses together. Joshua 1:8-9 (NKJV) reads, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, and that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
We have all experienced abundant change in the last few months and are starting to feel numb to the barrage of forceful politics and social perspectives. This environment could weary the mind and create an attitude of surrender and tolerance. However, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, which Satan employs to oppress mankind and ultimately bring about his will of destruction. We were never called to accept this harassment of the enemy, but rather by grace and through faith to overcome and live in the victory purchased on the cross. Therefore Joshua 1:8-9 is imperative to our lives and the outcome of current events. To succeed, we must take these verses and place them as daily nutrition for our spirits and begin to walk in them.
God tells Joshua, “My word must be in your mouth, mind, and eyes at all times.” Why God? “Because placing yourself under the influence of My word brings about a perspective and persuasion that is resistant to the erosion of fear and failure.”
Fear is the result of separation between you and God in times of question and chaos which in turn leads to failure. Fear has no place in the life of a believer and is easily removed when God’s word is filling one’s mouth, washing one’s mind, and enlightening one’s eyes. Satan uses fear in a planned and organized fashion to paralyze the operations of the kingdom of God. He stops at nothing to ensure that your viewpoint is inconsistent with God’s word and all you can see is your demise.
Numbers 13 reveals this exact devilish operation with the twelve spies who were sent to spy out the land of Canaan and see what was there to possess. In other words, how abundant and fruitful the land God had given them was. Ten of the spies came back deceived and full of fear saying, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” This was not true or reality. They had been misinformed and their hearts filled with anxiety. Listen to what was really being said by the people that Israel was supposed to conquer. Joshua 2:9, “…and Rahab said to the men: ‘I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you.’” Verse eleven continues Rahab’s recounter of the news of the children of Israel nearing Jericho, “And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” False news produced a false reality that brought a delay to the promise of God. It is our faith in the promises of God that produces victory and overcomes the world. We must put the lies of the enemy on the run and rise to the occasion of possessing the promises of God. James 4:7 (TPT) says, “So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you.”
Joshua and Caleb were faith friends if you will, that came back with the correct perspective. I must believe that they influenced each other and encouraged one another from the conviction in their hearts as they journeyed back from Canaan. In fact, 40 years later Caleb said in Joshua 14:11-12, “As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me:…Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day;” Caleb’s perspective never changed, he kept God’s word in his heart and lived to see the day of fulfillment.
Don’t allow the devil to shift your focus or steal the Word of God from your heart. If you could hear what the enemy is really saying you would charge at once with no hesitation. The devil is scared spitless and does not want you to walk in your divine destiny and kingdom authority possessing the promises.