Bold Faith - Part 4 - SE StudentsSample

Sometimes we have to look back in order to move forward. It’s the reason we have rearview mirrors in cars. When we’re driving, it’s important to see what is behind us in order to move forward safely. 

Today we’re reading in Joshua 23, which is a little like looking in a rearview mirror. In this chapter Joshua was about to die, so he gathered the Israelites to give them a final message of courage. He had spent his life leading the Israelites into freedom as God delivered them many times from the enemy. The Israelites trusted Joshua as their leader. Who would lead them now that Joshua was about to die? 

As Joshua spoke to them, he reminded them to look behind them at the past when God had been faithful. Instead of saying, “Look how I’ve led you,” he pointed to God and said, “Look how God has been faithful to lead us!” He took no credit. While he led the people, he had been following someone greater. He was challenging the Israelites to follow someone greater than himself. Verse 14 reminds us that God is a promise-keeper. When we look back on our lives, we can often see that God has kept the promises He has made to us. 

What promises has God made to you in the past that you now see fulfilled? What promises of God are you still waiting to see? Do you trust yet that God is faithful and that you can put your faith in Him? 

Song suggestion

 “Promises” by Maverick City Music