Thought for Today: “Success Comes With Obedience”

We cannot expect to succeed if we’re not willing to follow God at His word.

This is the lesson learned by Israel after their defeat at the hands of the inhabitants of Ai.

Earlier they won a great victory at Jericho by following the Lord’s instructions. But they sinned when Achan disregarded God’s instructions and took some of the loot.

So, when faced with a small no nothing town of Ai, Israel was soundly defeated. After Joshua fell on his face before the Lord, God said, “Get up? Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned.” (Joshua 3:10-11a)

Once confession was made and the sin dealt with, the Lord said, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.” (Joshua 8:1)

If we want to live a victorious and successful life, we need to follow God’s word and way. And while we’re all sinners, falling short of God’s holy and righteous standards for life (Romans 3:23), we can get right with God and succeed by asking God to forgive us and do what is right.

“Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.” (Hosea 6:1)