Joshua 8: 1-2
“Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.”
Joshua is still new to his leadership position. He is now up against a battle as God is encouraging him. God first gave instructions “Do not be afraid, not be dismayed” followed by the reason “And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king.”.
God told Joshua to fight this fight just like he did the last time. Joshua and his people celebrated for seven days and won the last battle (Joshua 6). Seven days they spent time celebrating a victory that they had yet to see. Seven days of taking God at his word. God gave Joshua a victory in the last fight. God fought with and for him in the last fight.
God has brought us through every battle to date. We may have been scared, bruised, and tried but he brought us through. Some battles are more intense than others. We rejoice when the storm has passed, giving thanks to God for all that he has done. As believers, we are aware that storms will come. YET, each time we are introduced to a storm we act as if we’ve never seen this point. We get intimated by the battle. Identify your source from the jump.
Posture check!
You’ve been here before, at the forefront of what appears to be an impossible victory.Fight this fight just like you did in the last fight.
Knowing that he is walking before you, with you, and covering your back. Fight this fight believing God.
The last time I fasted for my victory so I will approach this battle as such. The last time I praised my way through so I will approach this battle as such. This last time I told my problems about my problem solver and I will approach this storm as such. Imagine going into a fight now you have the world champ on your team. You did not fight your battle with fear. You did not fight your battle alone. Allow God to show you his mighty works AGAIN. He promised you the victory you just have to work for it.
Importance of the foundation
Structural support: necessary strength
Anchor against storms: A WORD
Salability: not easily overturned
God, I’ve been here before .. at the beginning of a battle. I’ve been here before looking my battle right in the face. I’ve been here before flat on my face in need. It is me again Lord. Allow me to recall all that you have brought me through. God, you are victorious. Allow me to fight this fight like the rest. Allow me to keep your track record at the forefront of my mind. Like the rest, this battle seems like it will take me out but I trust you. The match-up is a little off God but I trust you. Thank you for winning again. You won again God. Thank you for allowing me to see your victory. Thank you for a foundation of victory.