Don't Settle

Michelle Clay
Sometimes I settle.

I’m sure you do too.

Usually, this is because I’ve convinced myself that pushing through is going to require more of me than I have to give. I’ve done this in literally every area of my life too. At work, at home, in relationships, in my finances, and with my health.  

Joshua and the Israelites wanted to settle too. In Joshua chapter seven Moses has just  delivered the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land and left Joshua in charge of the  actual crossing. Because of sin, the Israelites had just experienced their first defeat at Ai.  They expected to win the battle easily but they were defeated and filled with fear instead. In verse 7 it says, “And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring these people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had  been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!”

In the short time Joshua had been the leader of the Israelites, this was the first obstacle he had faced. He went into total “woe is me” mode. He immediately cried out to God about how terrible things were and how now, because of this one defeat, everyone would hear about it and would come and kill them all. Joshua wished they had just stayed on the other side. One hiccup and Joshua was ready to bail. It’s easy for me to criticize Joshua for this but I do too.

I often want to stay on the other, familiar, easy side of my Jordan bank too - the side that I’m  comfortable with. The side that doesn’t cause me to step out of my comfort zone. The side  that lets me hold on to my unforgiveness instead of forgiving. The side that lets me avoid a  tough conversation when I know that’s what’s needed to restore unity in a relationship. The side that lets me blow money on something I want instead of tithing. The side that lets me  stay in a “job” that’s secure and stable even when I know it doesn’t allow me to thrive in my gifts. The side that lets me eat a whole bag of candy and run through the drive-through instead of taking the time to plan healthy meals. The side that’s ok with letting my flesh be in control.  Does your side of the Jordan look sorta like mine?

Do you know what God told Joshua? To GET UP. To not be afraid. To not be discouraged. That  God would give them the victory and get them to the other side of the Jordan. On the other side is victory! Victory in every area of your life. We just have to trust in the One who can get us there and know that the other side is worth it. The other side is worth risking our  contentment.

I don’t want to settle for the contentment this side of the Jordan entices me with. I want to  step out in faith and watch God move and make impossible things possible. I want all He has waiting for me on the other side of the Jordan. What about you?

Point to Ponder:
Where in your life is contentment keeping you from pushing forward to the other side of the  Jordan?

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JoAnna - August 11th, 2021 at 8:40am

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