Do you ever face setbacks? Do you ever get discouraged? Are you ever afraid to move forward for God? If so, then you have something in common with the Old Testament leader, Joshua (and the Israelite people). This is the context. Joshua had led the Israelites out of the years of wilderness wandering. He led them across the Jordan River. He led them to overcome their first obstacle at Jericho. However, as they arrived at the city of Ai things seemed to fall apart. Because of the sin of one man, Achan, Israel suffered a horrible defeat at Ai. Apparently Joshua was reluctant to move forward. God said to him "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land." Joshua 8:1 NKJV The essence of God’s command was to get up and try again! What an encouraging word for those occasions when we get down and feel like giving up. There are four lessons to be learned from this text.
I. Let go of the Past.
A. Let go of past failures.
B. Let go of past hurts.
Il. Do not give in to Fear.
A. Fear will paralyze you.
B. Fear will destroy your faith.
III.Continue to remain Faithful.
A. Remain faithful in spite of setbacks.
B. Remain faithful in spite of difficulties.
IV. Remember God’s plans for you.
A. God has wonderful plans in store for you. He wants you to live in a promised land, not a wilderness. (See Jeremiah 29:11)
B. God intends for you to be a winner.
