victory after defeat

Joshua 8

Sin caused Israel to be defeated by Ai. Repentance and forgiveness opened Ai to be defeated by Israel.

After exposed sin in the camp halted the advancement of the army, Joshua had to stand in confidence that the order was to continue moving forward, even when it was hard. He took time to stop and listen to the Lord and choose to advance in the leadership the Lord had rooted deep within him.

"God said to Joshua, Don't be timid and don't so much as hesitate." 8:1

What I love about Joshua is that he wasn't proud. He was humble, obedient and flexible. God knew all that would be put in front of him when he hand picked Joshua to lead the people - remember all the times God said "be strong. be courageous." Here he is leading this mass of an army to go back and battle what had already defeated them once, yet instead of standing on a hill in the distance to watch, or sit in his tent feasting while others fought, he was there in the trenches with them.

"Joshua himself spent that night in the valley" 8:13

When the attack against the enemy started and the defeat was quickly beginning, he held on tight to the promise God gave him - literally. God gave Joshua the city that had defeated him the day before.

"For Joshua kept holding out his spear until everyone who lived in Ai was completely destroyed." 8:26

Yesterday's defeat became today's victory. When sin is dealt with in our lives, forgiveness and victory lie ahead. No matter what the setback may look like, we have to choose to get down in the trenches, fight for our victory, and hold tight to the promise God gives us.