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As Moses was about to die, he transferred leadership of Israel to Joshua. God gave His approval with the instructions: "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7).

Initially, Joshua sought the counsel of God for every step he took. Joshua received God's counsel for crossing the Jordan river (Joshua 3), building a lasting memorial (Joshua 4), renewing the covenant of circumcision (Joshua 5) and defeating the fortified city of Jericho (Joshua 6). In all of this Joshua listened and obeyed: "So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land." (Joshua 6:27).

However, after the miraculous success against the city of Jericho - after Joshua witnessed the city walls fall with the sound of a trumpet and a shout - Joshua's confidence began to grow. When it was time to attack the small city of Ai, Joshua relied on his own strength and the advice of men rather than seeking God's counsel.

Joshua 7:3-4
"'Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.' So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai."

Attacking the city of Ai seemed to be an insignificant decision. It was a small city and the Israelite army was mighty. But unknown to Joshua, there were spiritual battles in his camp. A soldier named Achan had taken things from Jericho which were expressly forbidden by God: "That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies." (Joshua 7:12). One man's sin, and Joshua's failure to seek God's counsel, caused the pain and suffering (and death) of many people.

When was the last time we sought and received counsel from God? If it's been a while, we may be attempting to fight a battle we cannot win. "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16: 7-8).

God will show us the way - but we must ask for His guidance. Our battles are never won because of our strength or the enemy's weakness. They are won only as we allow God to guide our every step. No matter how insignificant the decision may appear, let's set the Lord always before us and seek His counsel.

Copyright 2001, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org

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