Day 16 · Faith and God’s Promises · ; (NET2)
Joshua looks back on God's faithfulness to Israel. The land and rest described here fulfill promises to that people in that setting; they are not a guarantee that Christians will gain property or live without conflict. Remembering God's fulfilled word teaches us to trust his character and receive his promises in their biblical context.
Request
Faithful Father, help me remember your works. Through your Spirit, teach me to trust your Word without bending it to fit my wishes. Amen.
Read
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43 So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had solemnly promised to their ancestors, and they conquered it and lived in it. 44 The Lord made them secure, in fulfillment of all he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could resist them. The Lord handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of the Lord’s faithful promises to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; every one was realized.
14 “Look, today I am about to die. You know with all your heart and being that not even one of all the faithful promises the Lord your God made to you is left unfulfilled; every one was realized—not one promise is unfulfilled!
Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).
Reflect
- What repeated emphasis does the writer give to God's promises and their fulfillment?
- How can remembering God's faithfulness strengthen you without assuming every promise to Israel applies to you in the same way?
Restate
Explain what Israel's experience shows about the reliability of God's word.
Respond
Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:
- Praise: Praise God for his unfailing faithfulness.
- Thanksgiving: Thank him for promises fulfilled in Christ.
- Confession: Confess forgetfulness or careless use of Scripture to support your wishes.
- Intercession: Pray for someone struggling to trust God during a long wait.
- Petition: Ask for patient confidence and careful listening to Scripture.
Carry it into today: Recall one concrete reason to thank God for his faithfulness and share it with someone who needs encouragement.