Time and Promises

Two journals. One covering the past two and a half years of prayers, hurts, and healing. The other blank pages full of hopes and dreams for the coming years. No one can tell the difference from the outside, but I can. I love this crossroads with my journals because it reminds me of the faithfulness of God!

For roughly the past 12 weeks, I’ve been studying Joshua in my DGroup. I had never realized how much the faithfulness of God shines through this book. I used to think Joshua was just the story of Jericho and more of a history of battles then anything else. I now realize that those are just a small part of a much bigger message. Two verses stood out to me and still come to mind.

Joshua 21:45 – Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

Joshua 11:18 – Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

Both of these verses are profound. First, that Joshua was at war for a long time. There is speculation that it was 7 years, which is a long time to be at war. I always seem to read Scripture quickly and not realize the amount of time that truly passed. Christ was born. Christ was an adult. I forget that time only passes for the Father in a blink of an eye and not for us. With the reminder that it was “a long time” for Joshua, I wonder if he ever questioned if he’d see the end of the fighting and peace prevail? Did he feel the weight of battle? Did he cry out to the Lord in the midst of those 7 years? What has become evident in reading Joshua, is that he deeply loved the Lord and served Him faithfully throughout his life. Joshua made it through his “7 years” by being in close relationship with the Lord.

The second thing that struck me, is that all of the Lord’s promises were fulfilled; every single one. God is good! He always does what He says he will do. Many years had passed between when He first made the promises and when they were fulfilled, but none were forgotten. He doesn’t forget me either. I love this because it reminds me that whatever “7 year” season I’m in, the Lord will be faithful to see me through and ultimately His good will be done!

Two journals. One showing God’s faithfulness in the past. The other showing the hope and trust I have in His faithfulness for the future!