Finding victory after defeat.

Joshua 8:1 NKJV

1 Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.

I. God is willing to forgive His people.

Do not be afraid or disheartened.

Church is the place for broken People.

The Islamist will argue that the Bible is false and corrupted because it was written by corrupt men.

Yet, the miracle of the Bible is that God used men in spite of their sin. His grace is greater than all of our sin.

I’m reminded of the hymn Grace Greater than our sins.

Grace, Grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, Grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all of our sin.

A. God does not hold a grudge.

When God forgives, it is forever in the past.

Psalm 103:12 NKJV

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

B. He will still fight our battles.

II. God will bless those who repent.

Joshua 8:2 NKJV

2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.”

A. Nuggets of encouragement.

God gave them the spoils of victory.

B. Victory over their failures.

When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.

We are more than our past in the name of Jesus.

III. God’s way is always best.

I’m reminded of the Forrest Frank song, “Your ways better.”

God’s way is more than a catchy tune, it is the best plan for your life.

Life can make you feel like a failure.

A conversation this week reminded of the insecurities that I struggle with.

At times we all struggle with thoughts of insufficiency. We see others success and believe that we are somehow less if we do not attain the same level.

Yet, we must cling to the fact that God’s plan for our life is perfect.

A. A strategic plan.

We are each fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13–16 NKJV

13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

God has a plan for you and that plan has existed since the moment you were created.

The word covered in verse 13 means to weave together or shape.

B. Orders followed.

God has a plan, but we must yield to His plan for our lives.

Yes, we can go against God’s plan. As we see in this passage, Israel often went against God. Thus, we must learn to yield to God’s plan for our lives.

Make sure we understand, God has a plan for our lives, but so does the forces of Satan.

Our purpose is not found in the lofty ideas of man, rather the will of God. Sis Geneva Campbell shared the testimony of her grandson who was living in Israel during the attacks of Hamas. While even the hospital he served in was hit by a rocket he professed that he was safer in Israel in the will of God, than in the U.S. outside of God’s will.

Parents, you would do your children a great disservice if you pushed them to follow your plan for their lives. Instead, encourage and support them to find God’s will.

Israel found victory when they followed God.

C. Victory is won.

When we find God will and follow HIs plan, we will discover victory.

Let me say this, victory is never easy. Whether in your personal life, ministry or family, following God means facing obstacles. Yes, this is even true in ministry. Yet, the victory of a life lived for Jesus is worth every hardship.