GOD'S PROMISES + TRUST = SUCCESS
Wk 2 Day 3


Joshua 8:1
¹ Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.

This is just one example of how Joshua used up God's promises. When I was reading a series of defeats that Joshua had, I was amazed at how his leadership grew so quickly in success. Obviously, not overnight. I'm sure he has already learned all his leadership skills even before this. However, this is when we see how much of his leadership preparation has been revealed. One thing he never let go is his trust in God. God promised him NOT TO BE AFRAID OR BE DISCOURAGED. This is a great lesson for us to learn. For us to defeat many enemies, we need not to be afraid to "tackle" them and to not be discouraged. No matter what happens, we ought to continue. After all, not being fearful or discouraged is just a sign of trust in God. Joshua trusted God enough that he knew what God can do when really goes for it. Not only that Joshua took the effort to really go for it, but also, God has made it clear to Joshua that success is already at hand. Knowing God's promises and going for it is key to success.

I admit that there are times that I want to give up - esp at SV. In as much as I want to remain with them and help "save the students", I have been discouraged at times when things are just going the opposite of things; kids are crazy, I can't do what I need to do, my classroom management strategies have gone from getting better to "poor", etc. However, I must take on what God has told Joshua. I need to continue and NOT GIVE UP, nor be discouraged, nor be afraid. Is is true that if I do my best, He will just do the rest; thus, I need to just DO MY BEST and LEAVE THE RESULTS UP TO GOD!

Lord, I don't have an excuse to not do my best even at worse situations. Please help me to see the light at the end of this tunnel. I know you are teaching me how to persevere... Help me to not give up on them (SV kids) and to still hope for the best in their lives. Remove from me any anxiety and any feelings of "survival mode" because I still believe that things could be better even in the last few weeks of school. I may never see them again and I pray that you will make a difference in their lives by using me as your vessel. Use me God and please empower me, In Jesus' name, amen.