Joshua 1:7 & 8
Joshua’s Secret to Success: The Ultimate Guide to Thriving
Hey everyone! 👋 Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly succeed in life? Not just a fleeting moment of victory, but a deep, abiding success that impacts every area of your life? In the book of Joshua, we find a powerful secret to this kind of success, one that resonates beyond the pages of history into our modern lives. After the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land, a task filled with challenges and uncertainties that can be overwhelming. However, God doesn’t leave Joshua without a game plan; instead, He compassionately provides him with wisdom and guidance. He gives him two verses that serve as the blueprint for his entire life, emphasizing the importance of strength, courage, and unwavering faith. These principles not only starts Joshua’s leadership but also laid the foundation for a future where the Israelites could thrive, reminding us that true success is rooted in purpose and perseverance.
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:7-8, KJV)
This isn’t just an ancient message for an ancient leader; it’s a timeless truth for us today. Let’s break down these verses and discover the three key principles that will help us find prosperity and success in our own lives.
1. Be Strong and Very Courageous 💪
God’s command to Joshua is not to be a little courageous, but to be “very courageous,” (which means to be very steadfast minded, established, confirmed) What does that mean for us? It means we need to face our fears head-on, with unwavering determination and strength. Whether it’s the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown, or the fear of what others think, courage is the muscle we need to develop and exercise regularly. This courage is not merely about acting fearless; rather, it acknowledges our fears yet we must choose to rise above them. It involves stepping outside our comfort zones, trying new things, and embracing challenges that may seem daunting at first. This courage doesn’t come from ourselves; it comes from knowing that God is with us every step of the way, guiding our hearts and minds. As the next verse, Joshua 1:9, says, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This promise serves as a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles, and that with faith and resolve, we can conquer any obstacles that lie before us.
2. Be Careful to Obey the Word 📖
God’s promise of success is directly linked to obedience. Joshua was instructed to obey “all the law” and not to turn from it “to the right or to the left.” This highlights the importance of complete obedience in our lives as followers of God. It’s not about picking and choosing which commands to follow, but about committing wholeheartedly to follow all of God’s instructions, even when they challenge our comfort zones or defy our immediate desires. Our modern-day “law” should be God’s Word—the Bible, which serves as a comprehensive guide for our lives. Each command, teaching, and principle found within its pages is designed for our benefit and growth. When we align our lives with The Truth, we walk on the path He has designed for our ultimate success, leading us to a fulfilling life that resonates with joy and purpose. Furthermore, obedience fosters a deeper relationship with God, allowing us to understand His character and intentions more fully. As we practice obedience, we cultivate trust, helping us to see how His plans unfold in our lives and how He providentially works all things for our good, even when circumstances may not appear favorable. In embracing this commitment, we open ourselves to the abundance of blessings God wants to pour into our lives, guiding us towards our divinely appointed destiny.
3. Meditate on the Word Day and Night 🧘
This is the secret sauce. The word “meditate,” (which means study, talk, mourn) here doesn’t mean a quick, passive reading; rather, it implies a deep, thoughtful, and constant reflection that engages both the mind and the spirit. It’s about letting God’s Word saturate our minds and hearts until it transforms our very being. This practice encourages us to meditate on the scriptures, allowing them to penetrate our thoughts and influence our actions throughout the day. By investing time in meditative contemplation, we can cultivate a richer understanding of God’s messages and integrate them into our lives, fostering a lasting connection and guiding our decisions with wisdom and peace.
Think of it like this:
- Read it: Get the words in front of your eyes.
- Study it: Dig deeper to understand the meaning.
- Memorize it: Internalize the verses so they’re always with you.
- Meditate on it: Ponder, pray, and apply the truth to your life.
- Discuss it: Engage with others about the concepts.
- Reflect on it: Take time to think about how it impacts you.
- Write about it: Create your own thoughts and interpretations.
- Teach it: Share what you’ve learned with others.
This process transforms us from the inside out, making obedience a natural overflow of a heart that is filled with God’s truth.
So, What’s the Takeaway? 🤔
Joshua’s secret to success wasn’t about his own strength or clever strategy; it was about his reliance on God’s Word and his commitment to obey it. This unwavering faith provided him with the guidance and wisdom necessary to navigate life’s challenges. When we choose to be courageous and stand firm in our beliefs, obey God’s commands, and fill our minds with His truth, we open ourselves to divine inspiration. This process requires not only trust but also perseverance in the face of adversity. In doing so, we can be confident that we too will find true and lasting prosperity and success, both spiritually and in our everyday lives, as we align our actions with divine principles and witness the blessings that follow.
Challenge: This week, pick one verse from the Bible and meditate on it every day. Write it down, say it aloud, and ask God to show you how to apply it to your life. Then spend time in worship and give Him thanks for His revelation and understanding.
Let’s journey together toward a life of purpose and success, guided by God’s timeless wisdom!
#Joshua #BibleStudy #Success #Faith #ChristianLife #Obedience #Courage
Colette Butler, Apostle 
Leave a comment