Sunday Rest and Reflection–Patience
As I read this book of Joshua and think about what he faced in his lifetime, I am reminded of my need for patience. Patience takes strength and courage. When you know what the Lord has said and nobody around you is listening or walking in faith it is hard to have patience. When all around you grumble and complain and see only the problems, it’s hard to be positive and not loose your temper.
Joshua had to wait 40 years to enter his inheritance. He saw it as one of the spies and understood from God’s Word that He it belonged to them. He knew that God would help them with the walled cities and the giants. He had a good attitude and a good confession. He tore his clothes and pleaded with the people when they rebelled at Kadesh. (Numbers 14:5-9) He faithfully served Moses for the 40 years of wandering. He was a good second man to Moses. You never see him trying to usurp authority or grab anything for himself. He walked with those who were destined to die in the wilderness and kept his focus. He was so faithful that he was chosen by God to lead Israel after Moses’s departure. The Bible tells us that the first requirement of a steward is that they be found faithful! (1st Corinthians 4:2) Joshua was faithful through the hard times and patient to wait until God’s time came for him to enter and possess his inheritance.
As you take time to rest and pray today, thank God for his faithfulness in sending His son Jesus Christ! He is our Joshua. He keeps a good attitude even when we whine and complain. He walks with us faithfully. He kept God’s Word perfectly and is the only one who can take us into the “promised land’! He took the lowest place of a servant and God exhalted Him to the hightest place of authority. His patience with us is amazing! What courage and strength it took for Him to save us! Are you letting patience have it’s perfect work in your life today? Have a great day of rest and refreshing! Remember to gather with others of faith and worship the Lord! God bless you! Pastor John