The Next Step Forward

Introduction

We are continuing our study through the book of Joshua with a focus on our theme for the year of leadership.

This morning we are looking at the successful taking of Ai.

What we are considering this morning is what leadership looks like after failure.

What are the next steps forward.

Courage after Failure

Fear is the natural tendency after failure (Josh. 8:1).

“Every plan is perfect until the first man falls. Then you question everything—your strategy, your judgment, your right to lead.” - Bernard Montgomery

It is even worse when it is a moral failure.

Too often the alternatives are arrogance or despair.

It is easy to question God’s promises when we are the ones who have failed (Josh. 1:2-5; 1 Cor. 10:13; Jas. 1:13-15).

Obedient Strategy

This strategy is much more traditional than Jericho (Josh. 8:2-22).

Submission to God is what brought victory in both instances.

Not everything we are called to do will look peculiar to the world (Acts 6:1-7).

The Proverbs overlap with many ancient philosophers.

But we must be sure that we are being guided by God and not men (Josh. 8:23-29; Deut. 21:22-23).

We need to evaluate the wisdom of men with the wisdom of God and not the other way around.

The Priority of Worship

We need to acknowledge God in our every success (Josh. 8:30-31; 1 Thess. 5:16-18).

We need to follow success with reinforcement of truth (Josh. 8:32-35).

Success can often breed complacency.

That is often the very time we need reminders to stay faithful.

This is both a reminder and a spur to more success (1 Thess. 4:1).

Conclusion

If you are here this morning and are reeling from a failure, the devil is delighted for you to either dismiss it altogether or to sit there in despair.

Christ calls you to come and find a path forward. He yet offers victory even for all of us who have suffered such dismal defeats.

Will you stand up this morning and take that next step forward.