The Call to Action and the Promise

The Book of Joshua opens as God tasks Joshua with being responsible for leading His people into the land He had promised them. God had been preparing Joshua for his new role for many years. And believe it not, the same is true for you!

You see, every call to action comes with a promise. As you read through these passages, take heart at how God might be calling you to do the same in your family.

Joshua 1:2-3: “Moses My servant is dead. Now, therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses." 

The call to action and the promise: God calls us to obey Him . . . and when we do, He blesses us.

Joshua 1:5: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.”

The call to action and the promise: God calls us to trust Him with the unknown . . . and when we do, 1) no one can stand against us and 2) we have God’s presence with us all the time. 

Joshua 1:7: “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”

The call to action and the promise: God calls us to get into His Word. He calls us to consume it,  know it, and live it . . . and when we do, He encourages us and strengthens us.

Joshua 1:13–15: “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.’ Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them, until the Lord has given your brethren rest, as He gave you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

The call to action and the promise: God calls us to live in community and to come alongside other believers in their time of need . . . and when we do, He will give us peace.

God’s calls to action can seem vague sometimes. We won't always have clear answers about every single detail. But that's where trust, that's where faith comes in. That's where we surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to move us in the day-to-to-day. 

So, how do we take these calls and apply them to our everyday lives? 

Here are some easy steps to apply:

Be intentional about getting into God’s Word. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. How can we live for the Lord—or better yet lead others to do the same—if we do not know what His Word says? When we know what God’s Word says, it becomes a lot easier to obey Him.

1. Set aside time each day to be in the Word. Parents, as the leaders in your home, let your kids see you giving God your undivided attention. Model for them what it looks like to set time aside for God. Kids, as those who are called to lead up, to lead siblings, and to lead your friends and classmates, put into practice what you read in the Bible, and follow the godly example set by your parents.
2. Whether it’s once a day or once a week, gather together as a family and read the Word together.
3. Find a “Family Verse” and display it in your home. 
4. Honor God with the words that come out of your mouth, the way you treat others, and even your thoughts. This will benefit you as well as every member of your family!
   

Pray. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. When we spend time talking and listening to God, we learn how to trust God in everything especially during those times when He calls us to be strong and courageous. 

1. Ask God if there is something  He wants you to do.
2. Ask Him if there is anything holding you back from experiencing the promises God has promised your family.
3. Pray for and over your family every day. As the leader of your home, let your kids hear you going to the Father for praise, supplication, and thanksgiving. Commit to praying together as a family every day this year.

Live in community with other believers. The Bible talks about iron sharpening iron. Find a family (or several) and choose to do life with them. God will use you to strengthen them through their trials and tribulations and vice versa. Here are some things to do with your community . . .

1. Date nights
2. Family game nights
3. Sit together at church
4. Vacation together
5. Serve and do outreach together