Do Not Defeat Yourself‌ Joshua 7:1-9

When we walk with Jesus the Win is there for our taking. All we have to do is go get it. But if we are not careful we will trade our victory for defeat.
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This is what Israel experiences in Joshua 7. God told Israel to not keep anything they found in Jericho. Pieces of the culture of Canaan would corrupt Israel and end up causing them to live just like the wicked people they were replacing. One man decided that he would ignore God’s command and as a result contaminated the entire nation. He thought the value of the things he found was worth more than faithfulness to God. Since Achan chose this path, he caused the whole nation to fall. Our sin never affects only us but everyone around us as well.
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The people of Israel experience God’s anger due to this sin. And since God is angry with them they experience defeat. The people living in Canaan are not the ones they should fear. God is the one they should fear and this chapter shows us this truth. In Joshua 7:5 we see Israel’s heart melt like the hearts of the people of Canaan.
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When we experience defeat such as this, there is only one option. Take it to the Lord as Joshua does in Joshua 7:6-9. He does know yet the reason behind his defeat only that they had been promised victory and were now defeated. What Joshua doesn’t know is that Israel has defeated themselves and need to repent.
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If you find yourself defeated by Satan on this Monday morning, before you go further, ask yourself, “have I caused my own defeat?” “Have I allowed sin into my life that has taken over and now caused me to be out of step with my Lord?”
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If you have, the next step you take should be toward repentance, toward a restoration of that relationship that has been destroyed by disobedience.
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The good news is that there is hope for you! You have the sure promise of the Lord that as you pray for forgiveness you will receive it! He will not think it over, He will not leave you hanging, your answer will be immediate! He will say Forgiven, Paid in Full, Remembered no More!
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So what are you waiting for? Repent and be renewed right now.