This past week, we began a 3 week study on the life and call of Joshua. On Sunday night, we saw of how God called him to courageous and risk-taking living when He called Joshua to lead His people. We saw how God had been preparing Joshua for this moment for a long time. So when Joshua said yes to God's call, it wasn't really a huge leap of faith on Joshua's part. Rather, Joshua was able to remember that God is "I AM", that God is "Be", and that He would show up to lead him in his courageous decision, just like He had done before.
So how have you experienced God in your life? Most of us, if we were honest, would have to say that we don't really know if we have "experienced" God...what does it even mean to experience God? Is it hearing His voice? Seeing Him move? Or something else? I believe God moves and reveals Himself to us in many different ways, but the question stills remains, have YOU experienced God? Have you experienced His "showing up" in your life? Because until we can answer yes to that question, we will continue to struggle to make courageous decisions- we will struggle to take risks in our faith. The reason we will struggle to be courageous is because we will continue to rely on our failures, rather than on God's power. Joshua had experienced God before. He knew when God asked him to be courageous and strong, that God was going to showing up and help him, because He had done so in the past. How is God calling you to courageous, risk-taking living?
Use these questions to help guide you into deeper thought and application of this intial lesson on courage:
1. Re-read Joshua 1:1-9. What aspects of these verses stick out you most? Why do you think that is?
2. Why was Joshua able to be strong and courageous?
3. What does courage look like in your life? Where is God calling you to step out in courage and take risks?
4. When God asks you to do something, do you tend to follow His plans or become fearful and shy away from following Him? Why do you think you respond this way?
5. Look back over your life...How has God been faithful to you? Knowing that 'Be' has been with you, does that give you courage to do what He desires of you?
6. Have you ever made a courageous, risk-taking choice? If so, did your understanding of and relationship with God change at all?
We will not be meeting Thursday the 25th as it is Thanksgiving, but utilize these questions throughout the next 2 weeks and come ready to discuss them on December 2! Have a great week!
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