F O O T H O L D
READING
75 SUCCESS AFTER FAILURE
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PRAY Reach out to me through
your word today, Lord God.
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READ Joshua 8:1-23.
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THINK Is there an example or
warning for us in this passage?
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FOCUS After their victory at
Jericho, the Israelites had been defeated
at Ai (7:2-7). The reason
for this is in 7:1 and 7:11. One man,
Achan, sinned, but the whole
nation was affected. So the matter
had to be dealt with.
Our reading today begins
with God's words of encouragement to
Joshua after this event,
'Don't be afraid; or discouraged' (8:1,
GNB).
There is a time for stopping
and having a good look at ourselves
and our progress. There is
also a point at which we must move on.
It is as if the Lord is
saying this to his people here.
GOD'S PROMISE - He promises
success. 'I will give you victory'
(1, GNB). It had not
happened yet, but it was so certain that God
spoke of it as if it already
had. The New Testament speaks in the
same way about Christians
sharing in God's eternal glory - it's
as good as done! 'You may
keep ... ' (2). This time the
Israelites were to be
allowed to have the booty. If only Achan
had waited!
THOROUGH PREPARATIONS.
Although God had given such a clear
promise, Joshua and the
people had their part to play - it called
for wisdom, skill, and
courage. God's promise and Israel's
preparations combined to
bring about the desired result. No doubt
the men of Ai were made
bolder by their earlier victory and
thought they would easily
repeat it. But they had reckoned
without God!
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PRAY Praise God that he can
give you victory over things which at
present seem to defeat you.
Open your life to God's help and
strength.
