Nikol

Shadow.  That word has been repeating to me incessantly since Friday.  It has appeared in scriptures, songs, sermons, e-mails, and books that I’ve read over the last few days.

Perhaps God is trying to tell me something about shadows.  Perhaps He’s not, but my interest is peaked to say the least. When/if I figure it out, I’ll be sure to pass it along.

In the meantime, I thought I would share a song that has been haunting me all weekend, “Only Water” from Brandon Heath‘s new CD, “Leaving Eden.”  It is by far my favorite song on his new album.  The words and the message are profoundly simple:  God can use something as simple as water to change the world.  Just imagine what He can do with people.

Only Water

There’s a shadow coming
As the sky goes black
It’s a stubborn rain
On a Nebraska plain

There’s a farmer standing
On a thirsty ground
He holds his breath
This is life or death
It’s only water

And it washes over me
Like a single river stone
Changes everything
But has no power on its own
It’s only water

There’s a winding canyon
Where a mountain stood
Miles of earth and clay
Carried far away

But there’s something holy
In these cathedral walls
They took a lot of years
And a lot of tears
It’s only water

And it washes over me
Like a single river stone
Changes everything
But has no power on its own
It’s only water

There once was a wedding
All the wine was gone
They said He’s just a man
That’s where it all began
It was only water

And it washes over me
Like a single river stone
Changes everything
But has no power on its own

It washes over me
Like a single river stone
Changes everything
But has no power on its own, on its own
It’s only water

Lyrics by:  Brandon Heath, Lee Thomas Miller, Ross Copperman
© 2011 Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing / Big Skwawka Music (ASCAP) All rights on behalf of Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing and Big Skwawka Music admin. by Sony/ATV. / Writers of Sea Gayle / Emma’s Garden (BMI) / EMI Blackwood Music / Ross Copperman Music (BMI)

Do you ever have moments when you are reading God’s Word and you wonder, “Why is that in there?”  I do.  All the time.

Behold, Joshua 12.

This chapter basically details out the kings the Israelites conquered, who did the conquering (i.e. Moses or Joshua) and the order in which they were conquered.

As tedious as it is to read those things, I am reminded that just as God asked Joshua to record His victories, we should do the same.

I believe that God wants us to document our own battles and record His victories so that we can remember God’s goodness and His might.  It serves not only as a reminder to us, but it is a testimony of God’s hand on our lives to those who read them.  That’s how we pass down His legacy of faithfulness.

The book of Joshua chronicles the long awaited trek of the Israelites into the promised land.  Trust me when I say that it is a much needed reward (both to the Israelites and to me) from the frustrating, painful, and bloody mess that was Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.   Finally!  The Israelites are entering the promised land.  Woop!  Woop!

As I was cruising along with Josh, I had an ah-ha moment right between chapters 11 and 12.  The journey into the promised land for Israel is very much like our spiritual journey.  Check it out.

1.  God starts out with something crazy and miraculous.

Israel’s first victory at Jericho was no doubt a miraculous one.  You remember the story…march around the city once for six days.  March around it again on the seventh day, but this time blow some horns and yell really loud and the walls will come tumbling down.  (May I be so bold as to suggest that the miracle of this moment was not that the walls came tumbling down at the shout of the Israelites, but that the Israelites actually went along with this unconventional battle plan?)  Not only did this scene prove their obedience to the Lord, but by seeing those walls come crashing down it built up their confidence to trust God in His ability to keep His promises and to fight for His people.

When we are on our journeys, whether it is in our daily walk with the Lord or we are pressing toward a mission or promise that He has revealed to us, God often starts out with a bang.  Something that totally knocks our socks off.  Something that can only be explained by Him.  It is up to us to take a step of faith (which might require us to do something seemingly senseless) in order to see His deliverance and promise.

2.  Whenever we go without God we lose.   Period.  ‘Nuff said.

3.  Satan increases his attacks the closer and closer we get to God.

The further and further the Israelites went into their territory, the more intense the battles became.  Five kings gang up on them.  Then, ten kings.  The armies become bigger and bigger.  Similarly, the closer and closer we come to reaching what God has in store for us the more nervous Satan becomes.  He responds by increasing his forces in battle.  Are your battles getting harder and harder?  Perhaps you are right around the corner from your promised land.

4. The harder Satan comes at us, the more intense and intentional we have to be in our walk with God.

Just as the Israelites had to increase their armies as the ferociousness of the battles increased, so we have to increase our efforts with more prayer, more bible study, and more of ourselves.

5. When the battle intensifies, we are to remind ourselves, just as Joshua reminded the Israelites of God’s commands:

“Do not be afraid…”
“Be strong and courageous…”
“Do not be discouraged…”

6.  God always wins through whatever means necessary.  Whether it is breaking down walls, making the sun stand still, hardening the hearts our enemies, or throwing people into confusion.  God always wins and His resources are unlimited.