Choose Who You Will Serve

Choose Who You Will Serve  10 Dec 2012

Hebrews 11:30,31

Each of us must choose to serve God with resolve. To not make a commitment to serve God is to make a commitment to not serve God.

1. WHEN OVERWHELMED: CHOOSE COURAGE OVER FEAR. (Josh. 1:1-9)

After Moses died, God appointed Joshua as the leader of the people of Israel. God told Joshua to lead them into battle to take possession of the land that God had given to them. Joshua’s mission was treacherous and overwhelming, but he chose to take the baton and run for God. We all have the same purpose and life mission: To advance God’s purposes by serving the Lord fully. We must also put our confidence in God, and choose to live for Him and honor Him with our lives.

2. WHEN TEMPTED: CHOOSE COMMITMENT OVER COMPROMISE. (Josh. 2,7)

Rahab was a harlot from Jericho who hid two Israelite spies and saved her family (Josh. 2). Achan was an Israelite who stole plunder from a battle, and he and his family were killed for it (Josh. 7). The prostitute turned to God and chose commitment, while the Israelite turned from God and chose compromise. What is in the heart matters most! If you are with God, never quit. If you are away from God, turn and commit to Him. Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

3. WHEN UNSURE: CHOOSE TRUST OVER WORRY. (Josh. 3)

The people of Israel needed to cross the Jordan River, but it was at flood stage. It was a physical and spiritual hurdle for them: Would they trust God as they literally moved into new territory? The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, and when it parted for them, all of the people crossed the river on dry land! We must also put our absolute trust in God. He can part the waters, remove obstacles, open doors, and make a way where there is no way.

4. WHEN ANXIOUS: CHOOSE FAITH OVER DOUBT. (Josh. 5,6)

Now remember: Joshua’s task of conquering Canaan was ominous to say the least. But then God said, “Forget the swords and spears! Let’s go with a walk around Jericho with a few trumpets and have a team cheer. That will bring the house down!” It might have sounded hopeless, but Josh was dialed in with God, and said, “LET’S DO THIS.” And the walls fell down! Whatever is going on in your life, put your faith in God and do it His way! Choose faith over doubt.

5. WHEN DYING: CHOOSE RESOLVE OVER RELATIVITY. (Josh. 23,24)

A revolutionary is resolved, absolute, resolute, certain, and sure. Others are relative, undecided, and non-committal. Joshua was firmly decided for the Lord, and just before his death, he called together the leaders of Israel and admonished them to continue to live for the Lord. He said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve!” (Josh. 24:15). We must also make this all-important choice, and live it out in our decisions every day.

If you have not already done so, pray, “God, I want to be used by You. I want to make a real difference. I choose You and Your plan for my life.”