His Focus, Your Favor

Have you ever heard the saying, "the air is thin up there"? On the other side of hesitation, you'll begin to recognize... Things are about to change.

Get. Ready.

We pray for Jesus to look over the thresholds of Heaven and see about us, but what comes with it? Change. Revelation. Elevation. Maybe even isolation. Are you okay with that? One of the best demonstrations of God's focus and favor is Joshua. On three different occasion, Joshua was encouraged to be strong and courageous: When Moses announced his transition...

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage:...~Deuteronomy 31:7a, New King James Version

when God spoke to Joshua privately...

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous,... ~Joshua 1:6-7a NKJV

and when the people affirmed him publicly.

So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.” ~Joshua 1:16-18 NKJV

So, why did Joshua need all this encouragement? Yes, he was the new leader but he already knew what he was up against and he had a whole nation supporting him. But now, God required more...

Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said. ~Deuteronomy 31:3b NKJV

It's one thing to be a scout going out before a battle and reporting back. It's another to go before a people and claim territory.

Nobody But You, Lord

Before the people ever stepped foot into the Promised Land, it would have be just Joshua and his God.

Courage is needed when isolation feels like your reality. When you are sold out to Christ, the Father will ask you to do things that can bless a nation. But more often than not you must start the journey alone. But you're not alone. In every second of every minute, of every hour, of every day, of every week, of every year, of every decade, of every millennium, era, and age. … GOD IS THINKING ABOUT YOU. THINKING OF WAYS TO BLESS YOU. THINKING OF HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO YOU. You are not alone. You never were. Rediscover the One who has never left you and never will. He … waits … for … YOU. Sometimes, it’s just got to be … GOD ‘n Me. ~Excerpt from GOD 'n You: Finding Your Place in Forever Your favor is in God's focus. When God calls you to a thing, know that his reputation is entrenched in your success. He has to focus his attention, his time, and his power on you when you are the vessel for his victory.

Concentrate on You

God's focus. It's the benefit of obedience. Joshua was so aligned with God and his will, that in the midst of his campaign for victory, God made the sun stand still at his request! Are you in a position of obedience where God can not only blow your mind, but the minds of your haters? God knew Joshua loved him. But he also knew Joshua and his capacity to hesitate (hence the overwhelming encouragement). Your favor is ready and waiting.

If God is encouraging you, what are you waiting for? If God is using others who support you to also encourage you, what are you waiting for? The air may be thin, but you're not alone. You never were. He... waits... for... you. Sometimes, it's just got to be GOD 'n Me. Lord, Let our obedience to your will be so obvious that you can't help but to favor our future. We receive your focus, but more importantly we receive you. In Jesus' name. Amen.