3 Keys for Being Successful!

Difficult times, overwhelming circumstances, and struggles! We all have them and if you are anything like me, your world seems to be turned upside down. During these times a couple things add pressure to the situation. These two things are discouragement and the fear of failure. However, the truth is, I should not be discourage or fearful of failing at all. In the first 7 verses in chapter 1 of the book of Joshua, I found some encouraging words that will help you and I be successful when facing difficult times, overwhelming circumstances and struggles in life.

Moses had died and the people of Israel were still in the wilderness and had not yet entered into the promise land. That’s when it happened, God moved and appointed the person who would lead the people into the land flowing with milk and honey. On that day God called out to Joshua the son of Nun, who just happened to be Moses’ assistant, to lead the Israelites across the Jordon into the Land that God was giving them (Joshua 1:2). Can you imagine the responsibility that Joshua must have felt? Yes, he was Moses’ second in command, but now he is the one that has been placed in charge of God’s people! What a daunting task! However, God didn’t just call Joshua to a place of leadership, He also told him everything that he needed in order to succeed in Joshua’s calling. Within this passage I found three keys to success in fulfilling God’s calling in our lives.

1. The Lord made Joshua a promise! In Vs. 3 God told Joshua that He was going to make the same promise to him as He made to Moses. That promise was that God would give him all the land that he stepped foot on. Also, within that promise, the Lord assured Joshua that He was going to be with him and not fail or abandon Joshua (vs. 5&9) When we are facing a daunting tasks, we must remember that God is with us and He always keeps His promise!

2. The Lord Encouraged Joshua! In vs. 6 &7a God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous. These encouraging words come on the heels of God’s promise of being with him. Joshua had every reason to be strong and courageous, God was on His side! When things that God has called us to seem overwhelming, we must remember that if God is for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31)! Stay strong and encourage!

3. The Lord called Joshua to obedience! As we look at the last half of vs. 7, God told Joshua to obey all instruction that He gave Moses and not to deviate from them one bit. The instruction that God gave Moses was the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament! In vs. 8 God tells Joshua to study this Book, once again the Torah, continually by meditating on the Word all the time. When we study God’s Word and absorb it into our hearts and minds, then we will obey His Word. It is about hiding it in our hearts so that we won’t sin against God (Ps. 119:11).

These three keys are not just for leaders, they are for everyone! It does not matter where you are in life, all three of these keys will help you be successful in every area of your life as you walk with the Lord. So if you are facing a daunting task, overwhelmed with life, or you are struggling with sin, I want to encourage you to remember this passage of Scripture for guidance. So, if f you want to succeed God’s way, always remember God keeps His promises, God is always for you and in turn we need to obey His Word by hiding in our hearts!