
And as you grow, you can learn the keys to consist success in your life and ministry as well. Here are four keys to consistency that we can learn from Joshua:
1) Focus on the size of God, not the size of your problems
We see this pattern as Joshua leads the Israelites into battle throughout chapters 10 and 11:
- Verse 10:8 – “The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands…”
- Verse 10:25 – “Joshua then said to them, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.’”
- Verse 10:42 – “Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.”
- Verse 11:6 – “Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow at this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel.’”
2) Pray Boldly
As you can see, this was an exceptional request and an exceptional answer. But God does answer big prayers. So pray boldly and have enough faith to accept His response.
3) Exhibit Sanctified Stubbornness
So be stubborn in your love for and your faith in God. Be humble enough to accept God’s answers. Stay committed to loving Him and trusting in Him, even when His actions don’t look loving to you. Remember that you don’t see the whole picture, but He does and His plans are bigger than just you.
Remember the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11? It included Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham. And in verse 13, it reminds us that “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
4) Rest is on its way
And your total rest is coming. Revelation 21:1-4 foretells, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
So when times are tough, when you are in the middle of a battle, when your campaign never seems to end, remember that your rest is on its way.