August 21, 2026 - Joshua was born a slave and yet became the leader of Israel. He was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land and was commissioned by the Lord to lead His people. Leading the people of God, Joshua went from victory to victory. They successfully crossed the flooded Jordan and conquered the fortified city of Jericho.
Yet, Joshua sent a few thousand to conquer Ai, and they were defeated. Following this, we see Joshua on his face, defeated and in despair. We hear the Lord tell Joshua to get up and He asks Joshua why he is lying on his face (Joshua 7:10)
Joshua has been defeated, however, he must not focus on this one defeat. He needs to consider the good things God has done for Israel. He must remember all of the blessings God has already given and all of the blessings God has promised for the future. Joshua has become focused on the wrong thing. Instead of being power conscious Joshua has become problem conscious and is focusing on this one defeat.
Well, Joshua did rise up and he led his people to victory. When we feel defeated, we need to remember all that God has done for us. He loved us, He gave His son for us and he will also give us the victory. Like Joshua, when we suffer defeat, if we are not careful we too will become problem conscious and not power conscious. It was Paul who tells us that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57). Living our lives within the will of God, we can loudly sing that grand old hymn, “Victory In Jesus.”
It’s something to think about... tbp
Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
