Fully Equipped for Divine Intervention

 

Fully Equipped for Divine Intervention

Joshua 11:9

"Joshua did to them as the Lord had directed: He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots."

John 16:13

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

2 Corinthians 9:8

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

The Requirement of Radical Obedience

In Joshua 11, the Israelites are finishing the conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua faces a massive coalition of enemies with superior weaponry (horses and chariots). God commands Joshua to destroy these weapons rather than keep them for themselves (Josh. 11:9).

What Joshua learned:

God often requires us to destroy the "chariots" (our false securities, worldly dependencies, or methods of fighting in the flesh) so that we depend entirely on Him, not our own strength.

Obedience Over Conventional Wisdom (Joshua 11:9)

To an earthly strategist, destroying horses and chariots seems wasteful. However, God wanted Israel to trust Him for protection, not military might.

When God tells you to leave behind a worldly strategy, a secure job that violates your conscience, or a prideful method, total obedience is necessary to see total victory.

Total obedience leads to total victory.

Guided by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13)

Just as Joshua needed direct instructions from God to win the battle, we need the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as our guide into all truth.

We do not walk in darkness or uncertainty. The Spirit reveals the “why” behind the command and gives direction for the future (what is to come).

The Holy Spirit brings conviction and wisdom, helping us distinguish between human wisdom and divine strategy.

Supplied for the Task (2 Corinthians 9:8)

When we operate in obedience (Joshua 11) and follow the Spirit (John 16), we often find ourselves doing tasks beyond our human capacity. That is where 2 Corinthians 9:8 comes in.

The promise: “God is able to make all grace abound toward you.”

The abundance isn’t for selfish hoarding, but for “every good work” — for us to be God’s hands and feet.

God provides the grace (strength, resources, wisdom) for the tasks He assigns. You have all sufficiency in all things — financial, emotional, and spiritual — to do what He has called you to do.

The Abundant Life of Faith

We are called to:

Obey completely (Joshua 11:9).

Listen to the Spirit (John 16:13).

Receive God’s supply (2 Corinthians 9:8).

As we move forward in our personal battles, let us trust that the God who demands total obedience is the same God who provides total supply.

We have always struggled financially. Yet even when homeless, God has always provided for us — even when we were not just sinning now and then, but living daily in sin.

I have known Jesus since I was 9 years old. Though I searched for adults who would help me know Him better, there were none to be found in my childhood, even when I sought out adults at church.

As an adult, I continued to seek, but failed to recognize He has been within me all these years.

Once upon a time, I did a job that I knew full well God did not approve of. Yet daily, when I went to work, I prayed for protection, and for years God gave me that protection. I thanked Him for that often, yet did nothing else to show my appreciation. I did not attend church (was pretty sure any church I entered would spontaneously combust). The only time I prayed regularly was on that drive. Occasionally, when one of our pets or family members were sick, I would ask God to heal them and help them.

I knew He did not approve of my life, so I tried not to be too much of a bother. I felt like a family addict — only around when I needed something. I knew it was not healthy, and I knew I was a disappointment to God… but honestly, I was a disappointment to myself as well.

I had big dreams as a child. I was going to be a veterinarian. I have been hauling abandoned pets home since I started walking. I understand animals better than people, so I always thought that was what I would be as an adult.

I ended up being a CNA. So I cared for people instead of animals. I realize now how wise God is and how much He works with us silly humans. Taking care of people gave me back some compassion for them. I had lost my compassion for my fellow humans after years of sexual abuse by babysitters, verbal and mental abuse in my home life, and verbal and physical abuse at school (teachers and students).

To me, humans were trash. We ruin everything and had no redeeming qualities — myself included. It showed dramatically in how I treated others and in how little I cared about myself.

As a 12-year-old, I hitchhiked from Maine to Baltimore, Maryland, and stayed there for three months — alone and unafraid. I had a fair amount of cash, as I had two paper routes (morning and afternoon), plus I dug clams all summer long. I lived in an abandoned apartment building with other runaways. I had a few rough times, but nothing I couldn’t handle. Eventually, my uncle found me and brought me home.

I never really saw how much God protected me during those three months.

God is good all the time! Amen!

Now, at almost 64, I am amazed at the life I have had. Though it started out so bad, God has turned it around for good.

I now know God and listen to Him daily. I now understand how much He has done for me, even when I did not acknowledge Him.

Today, take a few moments and reflect on your life and see all the times He has helped you, guided you, or provided a miracle for YOU.

I am truly amazed at the many miracles God has worked in my own life. I think you could be as well, because I know our Triune God is in the miracle-making business and wants to bless all His children!

Amen!

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being faithful even when we were not. Thank You for protecting us in seasons of rebellion, guiding us in seasons of blindness, and providing for us in seasons of lack.

Teach us radical obedience. Help us to burn the chariots in our lives — the false securities and worldly strategies we cling to. Fill us with Your Spirit of Truth. Guide us daily.

Thank You that You are able to make all grace abound toward us so that we will have everything we need for every good work. We trust You for total victory because You promise total supply.

Heal the wounded places in our hearts. Restore compassion where pain once lived. Let our testimonies bring hope to others who feel lost or unworthy.

You are good all the time.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN

BOBBA 💛

Love, Penny