Take Off Your Sandals

Take Off Your Shoes

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“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so,” Joshua‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭15‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

The amount of faith one has is directly related to the authority of the idea birthed.

If Joshua had independently decided it was time to conquer Jericho, he would have needed a pick me up speech every morning worthy of the Lord of the Rings. “You can do this great and mighty act!”

If the idea to conquer Jericho had been birthed from man, man would have needed to carry it to completion. Joshua would have needed a “pull yourself up from your bootstraps,” mentality to get the job done. It would have been exhausting. And unfortunately, not lasting.

However, when God delivers a call-to-action message—He has the power and the resources to get the job done. We just need to ask for help and strength.

“God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” J. Hudson Taylor.

Joshua received such a message before attacking Jericho. The Commander of the Army of the Lord delivered it. This angelic being created a holy space similar to the one Moses received—“Take your shoes off, this ground is holy ground.” All Joshua had to do is remove his sandals and listen, with the intent to follow. Since God birthed the idea, Joshua had ultimate faith to fulfill it. It would be done—no doubts.

The problem for us is we generate noble and great thoughts all the time—so we believe. Often those ideas aren’t confirmed by God with permission or acceptance. Yet, we still tend to jump in and respond with the energy of a seven year old boy. Waiting is difficult for us when we believe the idea has the potential of being the next best thing since the elevator.

When we don’t get the okay from God, we have the potential of running a fool’s errand. We create in our own mind its importance, and go ahead with our own plans—praying “If God doesn’t want it to happen—He’ll close the door.” This has some merit when we are learning to hear God’s voice, but when we know His voice, we are without an excuse.

There are times God waits for us to turn around mid stride to ask, “Is this okay?” He waits for us to turn around to ask “Is this okay?” even as we approach the finish line. But so often when we have gotten so caught up in our own schemes, we forget there is One whom we actually do serve—and it’s not the one in the mirror.

There are times I thought a dinner party was the will of God. Only to have few show up, and leftovers that eventually ended up moldy. A good idea at the time—but even with something as simple as a dinner party—I realize I need God. When I look back on these parties, it was actually me taking center stage, not my Father. He received no spotlight, only criticism for not allowing it to work out.

Foolish man. Foolish me.

Compared to times when I know God had just asked me to do something—and it works out. It might take a different path than anticipated—but as I listen and obey, it faithfully comes to fruition. God asked this dyslexic woman to write, so I write. Thanking Him everyday for spell check! And grammar check, and editors, and readers…. I write with faith because God asked me to, not because I have talent.

We have been given all that’s needed to figure life out. We have the Holy Bible. If we aren’t reading it, we are missing out on our Father’s very words. We also have the gift of the Holy Spirit, who works from within—helping, guiding and counseling us. He keeps our foot from stumbling if we listen and obey Him, God’s very Spirit.

God has also surrounded us with people who have been through it and who are willing to help us out. God’s fleshly wise friends and mentors.

Joshua faithfully knew he would conquer Jericho, not because he was self important, but because he was important to God. God had told him to do so.

We who live today, are equally important to God. God has asked us to partner with Him. That means we are to walk behind Him or next to Him, not ahead of Him. We are to pray without ceasing—which means we are to be in constant communication with God. Holding captive every thought—making sure these thoughts align with God’s purpose.

Yes it’s hard work, but we work with faith and authority because we know it matters. We share God’s purpose, which motivates us to carry on.

Today I would much rather write than speak. Today I would rather write than teach. It hasn’t always been this way—but when I remember that God has asked me to do so—I write, and now enjoy doing so very much.

How about you? Are you running ahead of God? Forgetting to ask if it’s okay to pursue something? Or have you asked, and are simply waiting for a reply?

(Don't forget to comment below. I'd love to hear your thoughts,)

Father,

We wait for You on our good days. But all too often, we jump ahead and justify why our way is the best way.

Help us to hear Your voice clearly, in order to obey. Help us to desire the things You desire. Help us to be Your faithful followers—ready to serve You at any time.

Thank You that You know us, and never ask us to do anything we can’t handle. Help us to trust You with Your wisdom and knowledge. Help us say, “Yes,” when You assign us a task.

Help me to put down the phone and turn off the TV when they stand in the way of obedience. What You have to say is so much more important.  Thank You for Your on-going grace. It truly is sufficient.

Not my way, Yours be done.

Amen.