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3 Helpful Factors From Joshua for Leading Your Church Out of Crisis and Into the Future

How could God use this time of in-between to sharpen, re-focus, or even redirect your life and leadership?

If you’re open to using this time of in-between to prepare for something different, something better, below are three practices to begin implementing:

After God instructs Joshua to GET READY for what He is ABOUT TO do, God puts things into perspective for Joshua.

Joshua 1:5-6 (NIV) 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

1. When God Is About To, Realize, It’s Not Just About You.

What is God leading you towards that others will benefit from too?

Essentially, God is saying the promised land is never just for you.

Whatever God is doing within you in some way is for others too.

Do you believe that?

Is God preparing you for something new and different? Is He creating a new “normal” in His people that will reach far beyond them… kinda like, “for God so loved THE WORLD.” This may seem harsh but I believe we miss out on the greater blessing when we only reserve it for ourselves. God will never take you to the promised land if you are neglecting Him and others along the way…

Based on the Israelites journey, it is possible to stay IN-BETWEEN until we have a vision for how the promised land is for others too!

2. When God Is About To, Recall What He’s Said To You.

God is so gracious.

He actually promises to “never leave us or forsake us”.

The same promise He extends to us a long time ago He shared with Joshua too.

Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV) 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua could have based his condition upon how he felt or on God’s Word and His Presence.

Like us, Joshua had reason to feel afraid and discouraged.

Joshua was leading people into a war, not on a hike.

Joshua could have been fearful that rather than fighting the nearing enemy the people would fight each other… it wouldn’t have been the first time.

…that he didn’t have what it takes.
…that it could be another 40 years before they enter the promised land.
…that they would turn away from God again like they had in the past.

What has a grip on your heart that needs reminding of what God says and Where God is?

In times of crisis we have the option to base our condition on:
1. What God has said (commanded).
2. Where God is (with you).

Or, on Fear.

As a kid was there ever a time you were really afraid? Did you ever run to a friend or parent who was bigger and stronger? If so, why?

Their presence eased your worries. Their words comforted your concerns.

Fear Is Pacified When Someone Greater Is With You.

Like Joshua, God wants us to recall two things, His commands, and His Presence.

3. When God Is About To, Decide What You Will Do.

Joshua had enough of being in-between. He was ready to move on.

Joshua 1:10 (NIV) 10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’”

Joshua had made up his mind. His decisions influenced his actions.

Movement requires a decision.

The decisions Joshua determined the promises He’d experience.

Joshua decided to partner with God.

Joshua allowed God to use the time in-between the past and the promise.

Will you?

This article originally appeared here.