Small Defeats
In the book of Joshua, God challenges His people repeatedly to "be strong and very courageous" (Joshua 1:7). Along with this challenge, God seeks to bolster their courage by affirming that "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life . . . I will not leave you or forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).
For a while, everything goes well for the children of Israel. Following God's commands at Jericho, they watch the strongholds of their enemies fall. Faith and obedience are rewarded. Scripture reasserts what has already been evident: “So the LORD was with Joshua . . . .” (Joshua 6:27a).
But then suddenly in chapter 7 everything starts to unravel. A handful of the men are killed in battle. After such a glorious and decisive victory over Jericho, Joshua is perplexed. So Joshua and the elders of Israel fell on their faces before the Lord.
"Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the accursed things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings . . . I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the accursed things from among you. Get up! Consecrate the people' . . . for thus says the LORD, God of Israel, 'There are accursed things in your midst . . . You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed things from among you'" (Joshua 7:10-13).
As I ponder this story I am reminded that small defeats are often big reminders of sin in our lives. It would behoove us to begin a self-evaluation to see if there are any accursed things in our midst that are restricting the blessing of God. An accursed thing can take many forms--but it is always that which provides temporary satisfaction for an eternal, God-shaped void.
An important thing to remember is that Jesus has granted us free access to the Holy of Holies—access to the very presence of God. We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we might be able to obtain mercy, to find grace in the time of need. The Apostle John writes that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Therefore, we have this confidence, that if we ask anything in his name, he will give it to us (John 5:14).
Unlike those of the O.T., who didn’t have this privileged access, God invites us to come clean and remain clean so that we can avoid the devastating defeats that rob us of our joy. Small defeats then become big reminders of an even bigger God who loves us with the biggest amount of forgiveness.
Recommended Reading and Listening:
If you have never read the book, Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, it is a must read for ages 12+. For younger kids or a fun family read-aloud, take a look at The Giant Killer. Both books are filled with the message of forgiveness, redemption, and small defeats that lead to big victories.
Enjoyed reading this? The above thoughts on Small Defeats, are dramatically played out in the Lamplighter Theatre drama, The Unexpected Return and The Eagles Nest.
