A new way

Joshua ch 3 v 1-17
Series “living out faith day by day” pt1
Introduction what uncertain things are you facing? The turtle picnic all about trust Israel faced an unknown situation in this chapter; here are several pointers for facing uncertainty
I. Face it calmly
A. Israel didn’t know the direction- they had to take things ones step at a time
B. We can be sure of certain things that produce calm in our lives
1. When we are heading in the right direction
2. we have survived up to this point!
3. Any fear, panic worry will not change the future!
II. Face it submissively
A. The way Israel was travelling was chosen by God
B. If you are a child of God, the way you are travelling is chosen by God
1.change what you are reasonably able to change
2. Accept as from him the things you can’t change
3. Stop trying to earn the love of God, you can’t do it, he loves you more than you can ever know, or achieve, rest in the love of God
III. Face it compliantly
A. This chapter is filled with commandments as was the entire conquest
B. Hearing and listening are two ways of facing the unknown
1. We have all the instruction we could possibly need
2. We must resolve to hear the word of the Lord and to do it!
IV. Face it expectantly
A. God has good things in store for Israel
B. God has good things in store for you!
1. you are going to experience a greater presence of the Lord
2. the greater the trials the greater the working of the Lord
3. Even if there are new trials, they will likely end the old trials!
4. Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes God calms you to face the storm
V. Face it confidently
A. Israel had the assurance of God’s presence and power (shekinah!)
1. Note the role of the ark
2. Note the new arrangement with the ark first- God didn’t need them to protect him; he was committed to protecting them
B. Some things to remember
1. The way is new to you, but not to God- past, present, future, all human words!
2. The way is new to you, but others have faced what you have faced
3. The presence of God goes surely with you, as he has with the saints of old (biographies)
VI. Face it aggressively
A. Israel was facing enormous changes at this point
1. They were not a warlike people, they had been slaves, and then wanderers
2. They should have been doing conquest rather than wanderings
B. Your way- if it involves growth- requires change
1. Whatever will come is ordered by the Lord for your growth
2. Take the way one step at a time, trusting the lord
3. Do not fear, step out in the strength of the Lord!
VII. Face it cheerfully
A. Israel didn’t manage this
1. they should have been delighted to get out of the wilderness
2. They should have been glad to get on with conquest
B. Face this year with some assurances
1. Your difficulties will all be overcome or
2. You will be given strength to handle trials
3. remember that “this is the day (way) that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it
Conclusion
Israel’s command was to consecrate themselves, make holy, and separate themselves, for God will do amazing things! Take that promise, set yourself apart from God and let him do amazing things with your future. The best way we can approach uncertainty is not panic, fear or worry, but by recommitting ourselves to God and his word. Bible in a year. Prince of grenada May you…..