What's In Your Tent?

Joshua 7: That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

I would encourage you to read the entire chapter of Joshua 7 to get the full context of this story. Israel stood in the place of victory because of their relationship with the Lord. So imagine Joshua’s surprise when an army that had been victorious was overtaken in a battle that shouldn’t have been difficult. We see in the story Joshua’s confusion and bewilderment at the situation, but what is more we see the Lord’s response to Joshua.

Disobedience, hiding secret sin cost a nation a victory. Friend our actions and our sin life, even well-hidden has detrimental affects. Our sin not only affects us, but it affects those around us. The Lord could not tolerate disobedience therefore an entire people group paid a heavy price because of the actions of one man. We may not be in hand-to-hand combat, but we are certainly in a spiritual war.

When we battle things that are not flesh and blood, we need to rest in an unbroken covenant with the Lord to see the victory. Breakthrough is promised to the believer, blessing to future generations and the peace of the Lord can all be ours. However, the contingency is that we are submitted to His Lordship in obedience. Nothing tempting is worth hiding in your tent. No sin, no matter how pleasurable will lead to life. The path to destruction is a wide road so be determined in your heart to let nothing cost you a battle.

Pastor Natalie Snider