Joshua the warrior. When I think of him I think of a man who was not concerned with pleasing the crowd or trying to blend in with the opinion of others if those people and opinions did not line up with what God promised.
Moses sends 10 spies into the Promised land to see if it was all that they hoped for and to see what people inhabited it. 8 of the spies come back and report that the land is indeed fruitful and beautiful but that the people who live there are giants and too big for them to overcome. Joshua and Caleb bring a different report – yes, the land is bountiful and yes, the people are big, but God will surely deliver them into their hand. Unfortunately the crowd sides with the 8 unbelieving spies (who are later destroyed by God) and they end up wandering the wilderness for 40 years. None of the original people were able to enter the Promised Land with exception to Joshua and Caleb. The rest died in the wilderness.
We as men of God will continually be required to stand against popular opinion and beliefs for the purpose of representing God’s truth and word. At times it may seem that we are believing in the impossible. Others may think we are crazy for choosing to believe God when circumstances look overwhelming and the odds are stacked against us. But when we choose to believe God and stand in the face of opposition, God will always remain faithful. What He promises, He delivers. And many times He does it in a way that lets those around us know – without doubt – that it had to be Him. That’s what it’s all about anyway right? God getting the glory and allowing Him to become famous in our life? Seeking ways to make much of Him and little of us so that onlookers see God when they see us?
Today I encourage you, as I also am determined, to be a Joshua. Be the one who will believe God and take the land He has promised. Even if you think you are doing it alone. Stand. Even if the face of mockery. Believe. Even when the odds seem stacked against you. Take it.
He is the God of Joshua.
And He is the God of you and I.
Strength & Honor
Rick Littreal
The King's Men 