Walking with God

Last week, we watched as Joshua and the Israelites learned a hard lesson.  Victory in battle only comes with leading from the LORD.  They tried to make some good decisions based on the evidence in front of them.  When they did this, they were deceived.

So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. (Joshua 9:14 ESV)

Once they realized that they had made a bad decision (and that the decision was bad because they had not checked with the LORD first), then they turned back to God.  They look for the LORD’s direction for the next battle they faced.

And the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you." (Joshua 10:7-8 ESV)

Joshua and the Israelites learned to fight the right battles the right way: God’s way.  They started checking in with the LORD before going into battle.  Clearly they followed God’s plan for their lives and, as a result, God gave them victory over and over again.

And these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the people of Israel defeated on the west side of the Jordan...in all, thirty-one kings. (Joshua 12:7a, 24b ESV)

How about you?  Do you check with the LORD before going into spiritual battle for your mind, your heart, your family, or your friends?  Do you work to follow God’s ways with each decision you make? Are you walking with God?