Earlier this week on the blog, I proposed that, as a Drawing Near to God community, we resolve to Listen More in 2018 – listen to God, that is. We live in a noisy world so we must be intentional in order to listen to what God is saying. 

This year, my family and I (10 of us!) are doing my daily devotional, Drawing Near to God, together. We’re only a few days into the New Year but it’s really been fun! Today’s entry is about Joshua’s obedience to following the Lord’s instructions… you see, Joshua was listening! You can read the entry below but I would love it if you would follow along with the daily devotional, too, by downloading the app. Perhaps you can get your family and friends to join, too, as we Make Space for God together and listen to His voice in 2018.

Joshua’s Faithful Response
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Hebrews 11:8

The Lord promised Joshua that He would be faithful to him just as He had been to Moses. But just as Moses had to be faithful to respond to God’s call, so Joshua had to be obedient to follow the Lord’s instructions. God told Joshua that He would give him every place where he set his foot. The Scriptures show us that God holds true to His promises. We often have a responsibility to respond in obedience in order for His promises to be fulfilled in us. The Lord promised the Israelites that if they obeyed His command to love the Lord Your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him, He would send rain on their land and cause them to prosper. (Deuteronomy 11:22) God continues to look for faithful men and women to whom He can entrust His promises.

Heavenly Father,
I pray that like Joshua I will be courageous to step out in faith wherever You send me knowing that You will be with me wherever I go. Thank You for going before me and for giving me every place I put my foot as I seek to spread the good news of Christ. Help me to obey Your Word and follow You in all of my ways. I claim Your promise that as I follow and obey You, You will send rain on my life to produce fruit for Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen