
Each one of us is called to something, even if we’re not yet sure what that is. It’s important that we surround ourselves with the right people and glean from their knowledge, wisdom, and experience. They can often help lead the way.
Joshua was annointed to do great things, yet he positioned himself under the leadership of Moses to watch and learn. Moses performed extraordinary miracles with his staff: the plagues of Egypt, the water from the rock, and drowning the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and Joshua performed miracles with the people. While they were different in method, the results were the same, but Joshua would have never experienced that power if it hadn’t been for his relationship with Moses who ultimately compounded Joshua’s annointing.
Read: Joshua 1:1-9
Joshua was a successful leader because he was first a great follower. So often we want to skip the important steps. Before God calls us to a job, He calls us to a place; and it’s not always where we think we should begin. Joshua was called to walk beside Moses, to be his right hand man. Because of his obedience to the call, he received God’s blessing and was elevated to leadership when Moses was gone.
It wasn’t because Joshua was perfect or performed his way to the top. By positioning himself under the right leadership as others in scripture have done, he was able to receive the overflow of blessing that ran down.
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. —Psalm 133:1-3
Who are we following? Are we in position to receive the blessings that flow down? It matters who we place before us, and only God can show us who that should be.
Journal: Name someone in a position of leadership that you have positioned yourself under so that you might learn from them and receive the overflow of their blessing. If you have not already done this, pray that God would reveal to you who this person should be.
It’s not about performance; it’s about position. So many try to perform to win God’s favor. Instead of receiving His identity for our lives, we often try to establish our own. Culture tells us that happiness is what we do, but that will only lead to emptiness and solitude. Who we are called to is more important than what we are called to do. We must position ourselves within a community of believers who can encourage us and pour into our lives.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
Don’t let the enemy discourage you. He’ll do his best to convince you that success depends on your performance. Surround yourself with godly people who speak truth and encouragement over your life. Plant yourself so deeply in the right relationships that the enemy cannot discourage you and so that you can be all that God has called you to be.
Journal: After listening to Part 2 in our message series, Joshua, “Commissioned For The Call,” share what God has shown you about your own life through this message. (i.e. Performance-Driven Mentality, Position, Isolation, Perfection)
Activation: How is God asking you to respond to what He has shown you through this message? Determine to take action this week.
Prayer: God, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to live a sinless life here on earth. I know that I continually fall short of Your mark. Help me lean into Your grace, not perfection. Life is not about how perfect I am, but how perfect You are. Remind me that in my weakness, I am made strong because of You. (2 Cor. 12:9-10) Place me under the right leadership so that I may grow in my faith; position me to receive the overflow of your blessing on my life. (Ps. 133:1-3) I know that You only want what is best for me. May I always trust in You. Amen