Are you being held captive by a "minor" sin?

Joshua 7:1-13 (Click on reference to read text)

Joshua and Israel just came off a spiritual high. God brought down their enemies at Jericho and all they had to do was march. They saw the mighty hand of God act on their behalf. Then they go to conquer this little city and get demolished. What happened?

First, we find that they let sin into the camp. This happens so often in our lives and has the same result… defeat, enslavement, and devastation. God commanded the Israelites to gather all the gold, silver, bronze and iron from Jericho and place it into the treasury of the house of the Lord. A man named Achan saw something beautiful that he desired, took it and hid it in his tent (vs. 21). Did he believe that this one action would cause the downfall of his nation… no! Yet, it almost did. Sin breaks fellowship with God. When we allow sin into the camp, we are incapable of standing in victory over our enemies (vs. 12). What sin are you holding on to? What sin seems beautiful to you and you just can't let go? Bitterness because of crushed dreams? Anger and resentment against someone who has wronged you in the past? Busyness? Walking in your own strength? It is so easy to cling to these things because we feel like we deserve them... yet they are not of God and are ultimately leading to our own downfall.

Second, we find Israel following what they think is best and not looking for God’s strategy. They just marched around a city and conquered Jericho with hardly a fight. That was clearly a God thing. Yet, not learning from this mighty victory, they forge ahead in their own strength and face defeat. Yes, God called them to conquer the Promised Land and claim it for Israel, yet they went about it in their own strength, in the way that seemed best for them. We can so quickly fall into this trap. Not all good things are God’s way and plan for our life. We can only see true success when we use God’s plan and not our own.

Finally, we see Joshua became so worried about his present situation, that he actually tells God, "why did you bring this people over the Jordan... if only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordon" (vs. 7). Joshua became consumed with the defeat and started doubting God's call and purpose that God so obviously established for Israel. Have you been there? Wondering, maybe if I would have just been content and not followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, maybe this wouldn't be happening? We must not doubt God's calling, but examine our life.

Unfortunately, victory and defeat in our life is not a one time battle we will face, and once we pass the test we are through. We must constantly examine our life, remain "caught up" on repenting of our sins, seek God's plan and strategy for our life. We are not promised daisies and roses in this world. Actually Christ promises that we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we are overcomers and victorious through Him! Remember what God promises the overcomer: "that 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... I will give the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Rev. 21:4-7).

Live in the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). Get out from under the cloud of sin and Christ promises us you will find freedom.