The Valley of Achor
The Valley of Achor– What’s Standing in the Way of Your Victory?
Guest blog post by Pamela ByrdI have to tell you, my fervent study of the old testament as a foundation for my coaching practice, Wilderness Journeys, has allowed me to form quite a kinship with Joshua. I am led to share my perspective on Joshua Chapter 7.
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When the Israelites went in to possess the land of Ai, (near Beth-aven), they believed that the Lord would be with them. Why wouldn’t He? After all, He had delivered them this far, and had instructed them to “fear not”. And hey, when God tells me to fear not, I FEAR NOT!
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Hark, my brothers and sisters; what the Israelites didn’t know was that several of their army “buddies” had committed a trespass in the previous battle. Several of these men had stolen or taken items that Joshua had specifically forbade them from taking. These acts of disobedience and lack of submission to authority kindled God’s anger. They had stolen and lied. That is why they could not stand against their enemies.
Look how the disobedience of a few caused many to perish. Consequently, these few needed to be destroyed to save the many from God’s wrath in order for them to proceed onto victory.
There are Accursed Things in the Midst of You
Joshua 7:13: “You can’t stand before your enemies until you take away from among you the things devoted [to destruction]”.
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What are you holding on to, or affixing to yourself that is preventing you from winning the battle against the enemy?
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The Israelites had gained confidence after their first battle, therefore, they had no reason to believe that they would not be victorious in the second one. Little did they know that they were in the midst of those that had disobeyed god’s laws and that some would have t pay the price for that breech of commitment.
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So…what can we learn from this:
1) Identify the problem
2) Resolve the problem
3) Put systems in place to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
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In other words, don’t give up because of a setback. Take serious time for reflection and identify those things or people who may be dropping a “fly in your ointment” causing you to stumble. Take the steps needed to eliminate the cause. God gives us the wisdom to identify, resolve and solidify correction. He also blesses us with the ability to learn from it and move on…back on track toward attaining your victory. He has assured us that we will triumph “if” we listen (such a big word in the Bible..I love it!) to Him and obey. Whatever obstacles are standing in your path today, do not be afraid, because God is with you. Allow him to be your guide in pursuing your purpose and be mindful of those things that may be standing in your way!
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Pamela Byrd is a Life Coach with Wilderness Journeys.