The Appointed Time: When it’s God’s Will but Hasn’t Arrived Yet
Even in our mistakes, God still clears a path of prosperity for us, according to His Timing and acts as a committed companion!
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“Now when the king [and the people] of Ai saw it, the men of the city hurried and got up early and went out to meet Israel in battle, the king and all his people at the appointed [time and] place before the desert plain (the Arabah). But he did not know that there was an ambush against him [waiting] behind the city [on the west side].”
This week, we will continue talking about our friends, the Israelites! In the book of Joshua, two important things take place: 1) Joshua becomes the leader after Moses passes away (Joshua 1) and 2) the Israelites (finally!) enter Canaan (Joshua 2).
After entering Canaan, the land that God promised to them, the Israelites proceed to conquer it (Joshua 2-12). They crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 3), established themselves in Gilgal (Joshua 4), celebrated the three feasts as they did with Moses (Joshua 5) and with God’s Help, brought the walls of Jericho down with praise (Joshua 6). But the Israelites’ momentum of success hit a snag. In Joshua 7, they attempted to conquer Ai, another city in Canaan but was unsuccessful. The Israelites violated God’s commands and severely underestimated the number/strength of Ai’s army.
Yet, when the sin and doubt was eliminated, God spoke reassured Joshua saying in Joshua 8, “Now the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed (intimidated). Take all the men of war with you and set out, go up to Ai; see, I have given the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land into your hand.” And Joshua and the Israelites did just that, conquering Ai and setting up an altar on Mount Ebal, honoring their covenant with God.
Had the Israelites been on one accord and trusting God in Joshua 7, they would have been successful. Even though God’s Will and Appointed Time can be altered by our own decisions, He is remains with us and is patient. He continues to empower us to prosper, in spite of the mistakes that we make and the worry thoughts that we take. Although, it is always best to do things right the first time, it is comforting to know that God is still committed to our success, the second, third, fourth (as many times as we need) time around!
Until Weekend Wellness,
