THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
A Biblical basis for walking the road to success is found in the 1st chapter of Joshua, when God commissions Joshua to take over leadership from Moses and lead the Israelite nation into the Promised Land. Three aspects of this road are evident-
- Promises: God begins by reminding Joshua of the incredible promises of God. The unchanging nature of God makes his promises valuable. What God says happens…. all the time.
I will give you every place where you set your foot as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. (v3-5)
When God promises Joshua every place he sets his foot upon, it is an open ended promise, the limits of which would be determined by Joshua and the Israelite nation. Obstacles are inevitable, but the presence and victory of God ensures triumph despite them.
2. Attitude: God goes on to set the right attitude within Joshua’s mindset. This mindset is twofold- one of being courageous and being obedient. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” (v7)
When opposition arises and obstacles appear to derail what you have set out to do, being strong and courageous is a decision that needs to be taken based on one’s faith in the unchanging God whose promises are true. The formula for lasting prosperity necessarily goes through the painful pathway of obedience borne out of sticking faithfully to God’s law.
3.Effort: Joshua takes to heart these promises and wastes no time moving forward.
‘Joshua told his officers, “….Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’” (v11)
When God’s promises are taken to heed, and one cloaks himself with the right attitude, decisive and productive effort comes to pass. The prospect of crossing the flooded Jordan River or facing strong foes does not deter Joshua from moving forward and his confidence is infectious as the nation follows him to the Promised Land.
