Life Instructions
“What was the Boston Tea Party” “What was The Stamp Act?” “What year did each take place?”
To say history was my least favorite subject in school would be an understatement. I was having a test on these questions the following day. My sister, bless her heart, was determined to help me pass this test by reviewing these questions over and over with me right before we went to bed the night before. I can remember waking during the night thinking, “Now why did they dump all that tea into the harbor?”
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and the death of Moses, God is giving Joshua the task of delivering the Israelites to The Promised Land. All those years and Joshua had depended upon Moses to lead them, not having to concern himself with planning or studying the route. Now, his test was about to happen. I can just hear Joshua reviewing his notes. “Lebanon to the North”, “Mediterranean to the West”, “Now what was the name of that river?”
God’s words to Joshua were to meditate on the His word both day and night and he would be successful. He was not just calling Joshua to be a leader without first giving him the instructions he would need in order to be successful.
God’s promise of a sure victory in verses 5-6.
God’s promise of directions in verses 7-8.
God’s promise to be with him wherever he went in verse 9.
Joshua was about to be given the exam of a lifetime and God prepared Him with the instructions and study guide he would need to be able to pass this test. While we may not be leading a nation out of the wilderness, we are often faced with many tests in our daily walk. God has given us these exact promises and instructions on how to be successful. His word is alive and He stands on His promise to be with us always.
Just as I should have read and studied my history lessons daily, instead waiting for time for test day, we also must be prepared for life’s tests before they occur. By meditating on God’s word day and night, filling our hearts and minds and obeying it, we will be prepared and therefore live a life according to everything written in it.
