what connection are you?

Have you ever considered that not having a quiet time each day could have devastating consequences? Joshua discovered this during the second battle of his career as leader of Israel. He had just experienced the stunning victory over Jericho where God’s hand leveled the city. Joshua, unaware that Achan had taken accursed things, eagerly set his sights on Ai, the next city to conquer.

Had Joshua been in communication with God, he would have known God was very angry with Israel because of Achan’s sin. God proved several times with Moses that he was forthright concerning the people’s disobedience. Instead of seeking the Lord concerning the conquest of Ai, Joshua relied on the recommendations of his scout team. After an embarrassing defeat, Joshua sought the Lord for answers. God answered Joshua specifically concerning Achan’s sin. He told Joshua what was taken and what must be done in order to restore his protection of the people.

Achan’s had taken objects that God had banned. He took a garment, silver and gold and hid them in his tent. Making matters worse, the silver and gold were supposed to be given to God’s treasury. As a result, God withdrew his protective hand from the Israelites and they became “liable to destruction” (Joshua 7:12 NIV). God required that the objects Achan stole be destroyed in order to restore his protection over the people. Achan’s sin not only caused the defeat at Ai, but it also caused the death of himself and his entire family by stoning (Joshua 7:25).

This story illustrates the value of meeting with God on a regular basis. Though we may think we are living a “good life,” sin can easily creep in and gain footholds. God will show us the footholds we have given to the devil through sin and what must be done to remove them. Repentance is very important to maintaining God’s protective cover over us. As God reveals the things in our lives that must go, we must be obedient in getting rid of them. Repentance may not avert our sin’s consequences, but it will help minimize the damage and maximize the restoration.

Joshua 6
²⁷So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout all the country.

The road of honouring God requires Godly wisdom and strength. We must stay tapped into God daily for the help we need. Only God can see the hidden ambushes the enemy may have set for us. He will help us steer clear of them and walk in purity to enjoy the fruits of righteousness. Please make it top priority to start your day with God every day!