Let’s consider Joshua’s speech to the Israelites.  He gave this speech just prior to his death. This is from Joshua 23:1-13. I will underline some points that stood out to me. 

These points remind me of where my thoughts need to be when I face struggles and hardship, thoughts that help me rise above and respond in a Godly fashion to my challenges:

“After a long time had passed and the Lord had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua, by then a very old man, summoned all Israel—their elders, leaders, judges and officials—and said to them: “I am very old. You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you. 

Joshua made certain the Israelites remembered it was God who fought for them. It wasn’t their intellect or cunning military maneuvers – it was God Himself.

“Remember how I have allotted as an inheritance for your tribes all the land of the nations that remain—the nations I conquered—between the Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The Lord your God himself will push them out for your sake. He will drive them out before you, and you will take possession of their land, as the Lord your God promised you.”

Joshua reminded the Israelites of the inheritance awaiting them in the promised land of Israel. God’s people should remember our future inheritance in heaven! He reminded them of God’s power to drive out their enemies, so they could possess their land. God wants to do that for you and me. He wants to drive out our enemies – pride, fear, anger, vengeance, and any other sinful thoughts and behaviors. He is able to do far above what we can even imagine.

“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.” 

Joshua commanded the Israelites to obey what they had at that time – the Pentateuch, the first five books of our Bible. Obedience to God leads to a victorious life. Obedience to God’s Word – no short changing its commands – is the way to experience His power to embrace our struggles, and have victory in their midst.

“Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. 

Joshua further detailed what was expected. They were not to associate with the ungodly people who worshiped false gods. They were not to incorporate idols into their lives in any manner. How does that relate to us? What does this mean for us? It means that we must allow God to transform our minds, by His Spirit’s power [Romans 12:2:  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”]. We need to spend more time focusing on what is good and pure, trustworthy and true [Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”] It means that we must be careful of the company we spend time with. We must associate with those who don’t know Jesus, but they are not people we spend most of our time with. 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

“But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.” Additionally, we should be certain to “hold fast” to our great God. The Israelites were commended for doing so to date. 

But God knew what was coming, so He gave this message to Joshua for the people. God knows each of us. That is why He sent Jesus. That is why He gave us His Word. He wants us to experience His abundant life, now and for all eternity.

“The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.” Another reminder of God’s acts on their behalf. What history do you have with God to remember that encourages you in your current situation?

“So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” Interesting, Joshua doesn’t simply say be careful, he states “be VERY careful” [emphasis mine]. We are to be very careful to love the Lord your God. When we are being very careful to do this, we will sin less, by the power of His Spirit, who indwells His true followers.

“But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you.” Here is the warning! God clearly details what will happen to the Israelites should they choose to disobey God. Disobedience is always a choice. 

What did the Israelites choose? What will you choose?

The Israelites chose to embrace the world, rather than God. They didn’t want hardships, but wanted the things the other nations had. I don’t like hardships. What about you? 

However, I now understand that hardships, all of which are governed by God, are for my benefit. I don’t ask Him for a carefree life. That life is waiting for me when this earthly life ends. I now ask Him to help me through my struggles so that I honor Him. When that happens, I experience a deep sense of fulfillment and peace. It is much better than what I experience when I attempt to handle things my way.

The outcome for Israel was exactly what God prophesied. They eventually were removed from their land, having been exiled in multiple waves, first to Assyria, and then to Babylon. You can find these details in 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles.

But God is always at work to reconcile people to Himself. He is still in the process of doing this with the Israelites. One day the Jewish people will have their land back, in its entirety. God is still in the process of reconciling us to Himself. He does this through Jesus, who paid the price for our sin. Will we submit or resist?

What is your relationship with Jesus? Do you consider Him your best friend, or are you disinterested in what matters to Him? If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, please make this the day you recognize your sinfulness, and your need for Jesus to atone for your sins. It is humbling, but God is waiting for you to take this step. If you feel His urging, please don’t resist the work of His Spirit in your life.

If Jesus isn’t your best friend, then you will not truly be able to embrace your challenges with peace and joy. I’d enjoy talking with you further about this. Please contact me at:  ButGodCares@gmail.com if I can help you develop your personal relationship with the one true living God.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2025 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.