Bible Characters Who Fulfilled Their Destiny: And How You Can Do the SameSample

Joshua

God’s plan for Joshua was to lead His people into the Promised Land. Joshua received specific instructions as to what this included and reassurance that God would protect them. The Bible also says Joshua was ‘full of the spirit of wisdom.’ He fulfilled God’s plan for his life and successfully led the people into the Promised Land–but not before he was tested. Joshua faced multiple obstacles, but let’s examine the initial trial.

When Joshua and the other spies sent into Canaan first saw the Nephilim, or giants, who already possessed the land, there was an opportunity to give in to fear. Note that God did not hide the giants from the spies. He wanted them to see that there was work to do in order for them to overcome and obtain victory. Ten of the twelve spies were fixated on the size of the giants: it seemed like an unfair fight. They were quaking with fear. But two of the twelve — Joshua and Caleb — were fixated on the favour of their God. They understood that they wouldn’t fight these giants alone; they would fight them with God on their side. They went out to spy — to look — and they chose to see what God wanted them to see: ‘the land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land’ (verse 7). Joshua refused to focus on the negative of the situation and stood firm on the ‘bright side’ of God’s promise. He persisted in pursuing this promise for most of his story, recorded in the book of Joshua.

Reflective Question:

Think for a moment of your calling and life path — whether the long term or short term tasks you have to complete. What immediately rises in your heart? Is it the fear of the giants you will most certainly have to face? Or is it excitement at the beauty and abundance of the promises of God?

Pray today that God would inspire an attitude within you that persistently focuses on God’s words and not the obstacles.

Prayer:

Father, thank you that you have good plans that you’ve made for my destiny. I have giants to face — You Yourself said that there would be much trouble to face in this world. You know what I have to go through. But You have told me to be strong and courageous. Help me, Holy Spirit, where I have fixed my eyes on the wrong things, to refocus on what God has promised. Fill me with hope. Help me to allow myself to be excited with a holy anticipation about what is to come. Your plans are so good.

Amen.