Commissioned for Exploits!

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 AMPC

Before you step out into battle, be sure you are following your commanding officer. The reason why armies promote officers to Generals is because of their experience in strategy, warfare, peacekeeping and similar projects. You don't post an inexperienced man in front of an army if men going to war. In the same way, understand that this present life is a warfare, and only those who are led in the right way and by the right person stand a chance of survival.

Joshua had seen Mises fight, and had supported war as well as espionage efforts himself, but he had never had to lead the people until now. It was natural that he would be afraid. God had to assure him over and over that he would be with him. Before you venture into ANYTHING, you have got to have that clear lead that God is the inspiration. Days of doubt, fear and uncertainty will come, but when you remember that you clearly heard God speak, you can press on in his power and get sure of victory. So, who sent you on this particular assignment you are on NOW? Before you set out, be sure that when you are asked, you can say with confidence that indeed: 'God commanded me'.

We can also claim the promise of God's presence, but I think it is not a promise made in a vacuum. Don't read the last part of today's extract and ignore the former. Even God had to turn away his eyes from his Son as he bore the sins of the world on the cross, so don't expect that God will break the rule for you because you are special. Don't toy with sin, and expect that God will gloss it over and reward you. His standards have always been the same, from the days of Abraham and David to these days of the mighty move of His Spirit. He hasn't changed one bit, no matter how much of the world around me wants to mold me to fit into its pattern.

And by the way, divine commission does not just happen; you must be prepared for it. Joshua had served Moses faithfully for 40 years. Can I submit to people who seem to be inferior to me? Can I forget who I am and simply allow the gifts of God to flow through me to bless other people? Can God commit great assignments into my hands, confident that I will be faithful? My impact is determined first by the one backing me up, not necessarily by my education, connections or possession. His time of favour is here.