Power to Choose:
But as for Me… – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Joshua 24:14-22

Key Verse:  Joshua 24:15

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua took over the leadership role in Israel after Moses.  Joshua understood that God would never force a person to follow God’s ways, not even His own people.  God gave Israel all the reasons in the world to faithfully follow Him, but they still had to make the final step of saying yes to His will and His ways.

God understood the weaknesses and the lack of wisdom His people had, that He could handle with His own great power.  But God had restricted Himself from exerting divine power over a person’s rebellious will.  Our “wills” are precious to God; a gift that He placed within us.  God will display His mighty power over our human weakness or ignorance as long as we have our will aligned with Him.  If we have said yes to God and sincerely claimed Him as our God and Savior, then He will help us fight all other battles.

Joshua challenged Israel to choose; they had that power.  They could serve God or run after the Amorite gods.  Joshua had made up his mind.  He would serve the Lord!  Have you made up your mind?  Does God look into your heart and see a surrendered and willing heart to serve Him?  Yes, you can see your weakness.  So does God.  God can handle those through His own strength in us.  Choose to say yes to God and His power!

Father, I want you and all your purposes to be at work in me.  I give you permission to rule in me and through me!  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.