June 1

Marching Orders

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. — Josh 1:9 BSB

It was a group of young men and women who stood on the edge of the Jordan River, waiting for the signal to enter the Promised Land. God had promised that He would give them every place where the sole of their foot would tread (Joshua 1:3). What a motivation this was to keep moving forward! Every time an Israelite stepped onto the soil of Canaan, they knew that land would become part of their inheritance.

We have a similar experience in our spiritual lives. We must learn to step forward in faith, claiming God’s promises, saying, “These are mine by right, and they will be mine in reality.” General Gordon, in his journal, wrote that often, before he reached a foreign or hostile tribe, it seemed that they had already been given to him by faith. In your spiritual battles, dare to believe that God has given you victory, and move forward confidently, knowing that not one enemy will be able to stand against you. This is the promise: “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). No matter how strong the tempter, how often you’ve failed, or how ingrained your bad habits, if you believe that God is with you, no sin will be able to stand before you. God cannot fail and will not abandon you—be strong and keep moving forward!

The one thing God asks of all of us is full obedience.

Here are our marching orders, and we must hold them close:

(1) Meditate on Scripture day and night; let it dwell in your heart and on your lips.

(2) Be strong, even when obedience seems impossible. Even when all circumstances seem to weaken your resolve, continue to obey God’s voice. As you move forward, you will find that the threats that seemed so real are nothing but shadows. When they are touched by the spear-point of faith, they will disappear, and you will keep moving ahead.

Prayer

Before we begin our work and battles today, equip us with the armor of light, that we may stand firm against the tricks of the devil. May we hear Your voice saying, “Do not fear; I am with you. I will help you.” Amen.