Devotionals

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It's Time to Depend on God!

At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” Joshua 5:2 (NKJV)

It was time for the Israelites to leave the wilderness. Further down in today's chapter of Joshua 5, it says: "for the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord...” (verse 2). The generation who should have obeyed God to take the promised land were all dead. These men, who had been so severely punished, were men of war. They should have been courageous but they were not. Now Joshua was leading a new group of men into the promised land. But there was one more command before they were to enter Canaan. The men needed to be circumcised.

The circumcision represented what was happening in their hearts. Their past was behind. It was the final cut from Egypt – from slavery. It was a separation to the Lord as His special people. However, how many men these days would get circumcised just before going to war? I shouldn't imagine any would. But this was what God had commanded them to do. The men would be at their weakest. Non would be able to take the credit for conquering the land of Canaan. Indeed, in every way, God was to be given the credit.

Years ago, I was on my way to an interview. It was a job that I desperately wanted and I knew that I was up against many others. On the way, I made the most ridiculous mistake causing me to go miles out of my way. I was running late. Finally the time of the interview came and went. I phoned them to explain that I was on my way, but inside, my heart sank. I had left very early to get there on time. But I had been blinded to my direction for just a few moments, and as a result, I had driven miles out of the way. I about to be thirty minutes late to interview for a job that hundreds of people wanted. Being late for an interview is a definite way to make sure you don't get the job! I prayed and left it in God's hands. I more or less knew that unless God wanted me to have the job, my prospects of getting it were gone. Finally I arrived. I got out of the car in a rush and somehow, my seat belt ripped all of the buttons off of my suit jacket. I looked a mess. I could have cried but instead I laughed. “Well God,” I said, “if I get this job it will be a miracle. It will have to be Your doing.”

At this point, I relaxed. I knew that I was not going to be able to do anything to impress. Everything was going against me. I would simply go to the interview for the experience and try to enjoy it. I would not let myself get worked up. What was the point now?

It was a long interview with many different aspects. But I enjoyed it and got on well with the four managers who interviewed me. In fact, I got on really well with one of the most senior managers.

I think I was in shock when I got the phone call telling me that I had got the job. Then I remembered my words to God on the way into the interview. I knew instantly that God had put me in this position, but He didn't want me to take the credit for it nor rely on my own strength. It was His doing and His plan for my life. A few people had doubted me for the job. One friend asked me if I seriously thought I even had a chance of getting this job. I never say 'never' with God. He can do exceedingly more and above what I ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Later, when I had started the job, I asked about the interview, mentioning the fact that I had been late and looked a mess. Apparently, they had grilled me at that interview, trying to catch me out. Many people had crumbled under the pressure and there had even been tears from some candidates. I, however, had just been myself and genuinely got on with the managers. I was not trying to be something that I was not (which we often do in interviews, trying our hardest to impress). I didn't even realise that they had been 'grilling' me. I was so relaxed that I was on the ball and enjoying the questions. That was what had got me the job. I was able to 'cope' under extreme pressure! I laugh, even now, thinking back to that day. God has got a sense of humour!

God uses our weaknesses. He just needs a heart that is willing to obey Him. Don't let any body tell you what you can't do. Remember what God can do! I'm sure there were Israelites who thought that they shouldn't be circumcised so soon before a battle. But let God be God. Don't ever doubt what He can do in your life. If He leads you, be sure to follow, no matter how scary the challenge may seem! It will be an adventure of a lifetime.

Prayer:
Thank you God that my weaknesses are made perfect in you. How amazing to think that you have far greater plans for me than I can even imagine. Help me to continue to put my trust in you, knowing that no matter what the challenge, the name of Jesus is bigger than that challenge. Amen.

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