Learning from Joshua’s Faith

Joshua had no doubt that God would fulfill His promises. By examining Joshua’s life, we see a man of courage and faith. There’s a clear connection between Joshua’s great faith and the remarkable experiences God led him through. Before continuing with today’s post, let’s take a quick look at Joshua 4:1-9.

1 When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, 2 “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. 5 And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” 8 And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the LORD told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there. 9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day.

Joshua 4:1-9 (ESV)

Memorial Stones

I can’t help but think of the memorials we set up today. Often, even as Christians, these are in honour of a person’s actions or a historical event. But how often do we set up memorials for something God has done? In our culture, it might seem unusual.

Maybe even those in our Christian circles would say it’s not really worth it. For Christians, perhaps the event would have to be something miraculous, like a river being stopped. But who decides what is miraculous and what is not?

Defining Miracles

Regardless of how we define a miracle, any event where God’s provision is evident should be a testimony for future generations, shouldn’t it?

Think about this past year. Ask yourself a few questions:

• What significant struggle has God helped you overcome?
• What task has He given you the strength to complete?
• What incredible experience has He brought you through?
• What need has He provided for out of nowhere?

Reflect on these moments. Perhaps it’s time to set up a few memorials of God’s greatness.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

1. How should you memorialize God’s greatness?
2. What are some ways you can remind yourself and others of God’s faithfulness?
3. Can you think of a personal experience where God’s provision was evident?