WE FIND it easier to seize an opportunity when we know what we want out of life. So perhaps the question to ask is: What do you want out of life?
Jabez knew what he wanted out of life when he cried out to God: "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my border, that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" And God granted his request. (1 Chron. 4:9-10)
Nehemiah's heart ached when he heard of the condition of Jerusalem and the people there. Therefore, he sought permission to go back and rebuild. (Neh. 1:3-10)
Daniel knew he had to say no when offered the king's portion of meat dedicated to idols. Rather he suggested a ten-day diet of vegetables and water. (Dan. 1:5-16)
These people's greatest concern was to be on the Lord's side. But how can you tell that God is on your side?
The Narrative
JOSHUA sent two men to spy out Jericho in their march to the Promised land.
After they crossed Jordan, the spies stayed in the home of Rahab.
Somehow words reached the king that spies had slipped into the city, and they might be visiting Rahab. So, he sent soldiers to fetch them.
But she already hid the spies before the soldiers came. And Rahab told them that the spies had left. (Josh. 2:1-24)
When the soldiers were gone, Rahab recounted the victories of Israel: how the Lord parted the Red Sea so that they could escape on dry land and how God destroyed the Amorite kings.
Our hearts melted as we heard these things, and we had no courage left in us.
Since I have treated you kindly and protected you, promise me that you will do the same for my family.
The spies replied: You had the power to turn us in, but you saved us. So now we will do the same for you. (Jos. 2:10-20)
They cut a covenant with her.
Relationship with God
YOU can tell that God is on your side when you are on his side: when you have a relationship with him.
But my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right" - Abraham Lincoln.
Joshua had the same concern when he suddenly saw a man standing and holding a sword.
He said, "Are you one of our soldiers or an enemy?" (Jos. 5:13)
Rahab knew how vital it was to be on God's side—she understood that God was right.
What do you do with your fear?
Take a stand for Him
WE LIVE in a time when the dividing line between good and evil is blurry to many. Therefore, if we are going to please God, we need to learn to say no.
Redeeming the time, for the days are evil. (Eph. 5:16)
Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were men of conviction.
They took a stand for God when they refused to bow to the king's golden statue. And they knew that God was on their side. (Dan. 3:1-16)
Rahab took a stand for a God she did not know when she protected the spies.
Walk by faith
BY FAITH, the prostitute Rahab welcomed the Hebrew spies into her home so that she did not perish with the unbelievers. (Heb. 11:31)
To some, she was a harlot. But to others, Rahab was an innkeeper who knew how to seize the moment.
Her faith in God was greater than her faith in her people. She knew where to separate patriotism from obedience to God.
For we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)
Trust in Him
THE SPIES were God's people. They represented the markers or symbols of trust. So, she believed their word.
She believed the testimonies.
The teachings of the Lord are perfect. They renew the soul. The testimony of the Lord is dependable. It makes gullible people wise. (Ps. 19:7)
Cast your cares
RAHAB was worried about the future. So she took her fears to the spies, and they made her a promise.
When she believed their mission, she trusted the plan of God for Israel.
The apostles did a similar thing when the Sanhedrin threatened them.
On their release, Peter and John returned to their people. And they reported all the chief priests and the elders had said to them. (Acts 4:23)
Then, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
Where do you go when you are afraid? What do you do with your fear?
Be anxious for nothing, prayerful for everything, and thankful for anything.
When you cast your fears upon God, he gives you peace. (Phil. 4:6-7) This peace indicates that God is with you.
Bringing it Together
GOD is near to those who call upon Him in truth. (Ps. 145:18)
Are you on the Lord's side? If not, it's time to make a change.
Give your life to Him!