Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until Victoryنمونہ

Day 14: Influencing Others

“Now Joshua’s son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Deuteronomy 34:9

In challenging times, the need for leaders, God's warriors, and heroes of faith becomes more critical than ever. These leaders should be filled with wisdom, ready to lead for the Lord, willing to take risks, pay the price, be courageous, and fight for the Lord's calling. God accomplishes His work through those whose hearts are filled with faith and are in total submission to Him.

Joshua serves as a perfect example of a leader used by God to fulfill His promise. Throughout the three periods of his life—40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness, and 30 years in Canaan—God extended Joshua's influence and authority due to his reliability and faithfulness. Joshua was a faithful soldier of God, characterized by obedience (Exodus 17:8, Numbers 32:10-12), willingness to serve (Exodus 24:13), boldness, and fear of the Lord (Numbers 14:9). God granted him authority and power, enabling him to fulfill the responsibilities bestowed upon him by the Lord.

When Joshua received the call from the Lord, he faced a daunting task. After Moses' death, Joshua had to assume leadership over an entire nation and lead them into the promised land. The circumstances were challenging: the older generation had failed to enter the promised land, having already experienced the consequences of not heeding the Lord's words (Numbers 14:6-10). Despite the obstacles, Joshua firmly believed that the Lord was leading him. The Lord Himself went ahead, and the land was ready, awaiting conquest.

Joshua's leadership provides valuable lessons. He consistently listened to the Lord, and his actions reflected this obedience. In Joshua 1:1-9, he carefully listened to the Lord's instructions, applied them without hesitation (Joshua 1:10), and demonstrated this responsiveness when confronted by the leader of the Lord's army near Jericho (Joshua 5:13-15). Joshua's life was characterized by constant communication with the Lord, receiving clear instructions, and faithfully conveying God's words to the people (Joshua chapter 3:7-9, 4:1-4, 15-16, and 5:2-3).

With knowledge of the Lord's plans, Joshua had the ability to influence the people to engage in fulfilling God's commission. After receiving the Lord's call, he immediately summoned the overseers, instructing them to prepare the people for the assignment of taking the promised land (Joshua 1:10-11). He persuaded the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to fulfill their promise to Moses, leaving their settled places to join the other tribes in conquering the land. Their obedience resulted in victory (Joshua 1:12-18).

Joshua knew how to accomplish God’s purpose. Filled with faith and trust in the Lord's promises, Joshua conveyed this confidence to the people (Joshua 1:11). Additionally, Joshua possessed the wisdom from the Lord to assign specific tasks, organize the people efficiently, and make timely decisions (Joshua 1:10-11, 2:1, 23-24, 3:2-6, 8-10).

Joshua was not merely a warrior and military strategist but also a spiritual leader who influenced the people under his care. When Israel crossed the Jordan, Joshua erected memorial stones at God's command, ensuring the next generation would know of God's greatness (Joshua 4:5-9). After the victory over Ai, Joshua set up an altar, wrote the Law of Moses, and read it to the people to ensure they remembered and followed God's commands (Joshua 8:30-35). His final words emphasized the importance of remaining loyal and faithful to the Lord, underscoring God's faithfulness over the years and warning of the consequences of disobedience (Joshua 23:24).

God continues to work through faithful and dedicated leadership. God multiplied Joshua's influence. While at first he was not even heard, ignoring his words, wanting to beat him, as was the case with the older generation of Israel (Numbers 14:6-10). Eventually, Joshua spoke with the authority the Lord gave, guiding and inspiring the people to take hold of God's promises (Numbers 18:1-8).

We also do not need to be discouraged if we are suddenly not heard. We must realize there is a time for everything and people for every time. When we do God's work, God will prepare the right people to hear His words. The question is, what and how do we communicate? Joshua was faithful to the Lord and passed on His commands. He fulfilled God’s will and did what He was called to do.

«Faithful leaders use their influence to fulfill God’s victorious plan.»

Reflection Questions:

1. Consider the influence God has granted you. What kind of influence do you have on your environment? How does this influence align with God's will and promises? What are the consequences of your influence?

2. What are you communicating to the people around you?

3. Reflect on Joshua's leadership traits. Which traits would you like to develop in yourself, and how will you achieve this?

Prayer:

1. For the believers who have influence in the world of sports – may they be the light of God.
2. For the local church to be influencers in every city and community.
3. For All Abilities – may they see multiplication of disciples.