Judges 1:1-2:9 / Luke 21:29-22:13 / Psalm 90-91 / Proverbs 13:24-25
We talked yesterday about the fact that Moses led God’s people, then when his time of leading was over, he appointed Joshua in accordance with God’s plan. Now it appears as if Joshua has not appointed the next leader. Was this because he failed to prepare? Did he fail to ask God for direction?
I lean toward thinking God would have preferred another leader be put into place because now the people are scattered about and are no longer removing the occupying peoples to take the land God has promised. They appear to have gotten lazy and to have forgotten to seek God’s council.
Was God testing them to see if they would stay the course He’s repeatedly laid before them? It’s interesting that in Judges 2:1-3 the angel of the LORD comes to speak to them, reminding them of the covenant they committed to. They have failed to destroy the altars of the heathen gods and the angel wants to know why they have disobeyed.
This reminds me that we must mature in our faith and obedience. There will not always be someone there to hold your hand. I believe in the model of teaching where I teach you what you need to learn, modeling it for you. Then I walk with you as you try it out for yourself. And finally, you are free to apply the truth you’ve learned and stand or fall based on your own obedience. If we don’t follow this process, we cannot mature.
To disallow this process is to stunt one another’s growth. Too often, we see others making mistakes and we think we must step in at every mistake and bring correction or support, but mistakes are great teachers. If someone is humble and open to being taught, they’ll ask for help when they feel it’s needed.
Is it painful to watch others fail or fall? Yes, of course it is. I found several quotes regarding the value of failing. Here’s one I like – FAIL = First Attempt in Learning. Too often we see failing as negative, but it’s not because through failure we build persistence and character.
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Don’t be afraid to fail. As a matter of fact, I love the following question. What would you do if you were not afraid to fail? So, ask yourself that question and go do something scary LOL!
