Text:Joshua 1:1-9
Today we are discussing the focus of faith. Joshua takes over in the nation of Israel after the death of Moses who disobeyed the Lord God. Joshua is reminded right away from God that troubles and trials will come but that God will be with him. God tells Joshua and promises him that if Joshua will focus on the Lord and not turn to the right or to the left, he will be prosperous and have success. This is the focus of faith that you and I are called into.
We are called to walk by faith, II Cor. 5:7. We are also told that without faith it is impossible to please the Lord, Heb. 11:6. Faith is pivotal to walking with the Lord. Faith brings us into the presence of the Lord and ushers in salvation, Eph. 2:8, 9. We are not saved by our works but by faith in the completed work of Christ. This is simply obedience to the Truth. Heb. 11:1, 2 clarifies it by telling us that faith is substance and evidence. Faith can and should be seen by ourselves and others around us. Faith testifies to the working of God in our lives. So, how do we obtain this faith?
We obtain faith by hearing the Word of the Lord, Rom. 10:17. When you and I first hear the Truth concerning salvation we then have a choice and the ability to act by faith. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we have the ability to grow in faith by hearing the Word also. Our understanding changes and grows as we hear and study the Bible. This faith gives us the ability to live focused on Truth no matter what the world tells us and no matter how distracting it can be at times.
May you and I look to the example of Joshua and remember the promises of God. May we look to the example of the Lord Himself. Christ obeyed the Father even to the cruel death of the cross. I am sure Christ’s flesh was telling Him to quit and give up but Jesus chose faith over fear and feelings. Prov. 3:5, 6 tell us to trust in the Lord and not to follow our own feelings and understanding. Our understanding is flawed and usually lead by emotion. Let faith have its work in us bringing us to completeness in Christ through patients, James 1:2-4. May we focus on the Lord and not get distracted, I Cor. 9:24-ff.