Choose

In our walk with God, there comes a pivotal moment when we must make a choice. Will we serve Him wholeheartedly, or will we continue to waver between devotion and distraction? This decision is not just a one-time event, but a daily recommitment to follow the path God has set before us.

The story of Joshua and the Israelites provides a powerful illustration of this choice. After years of wandering in the wilderness and finally entering the Promised Land, Joshua gathered the people at Shechem. It was a time of celebration, but also a critical moment of rededication, recalibration, and rejuvenation.

Joshua reminded the people of their history – not just the recent victories, but the long journey that began with their ancestors. He recounted how God called Abraham from a land of idol worship, led him to Canaan, and fulfilled His promise of descendants through Isaac and Jacob. He reminded them of their time in Egypt, both the descent into slavery and the miraculous deliverance through Moses.

This recounting of history wasn't just a history lesson. It was a reminder of God's faithfulness through generations, even when His people were unfaithful. It was a call to recognize that their current blessings were not of their own making, but the result of God's grace and power.

As we reflect on our own lives, we too should take time to remember God's faithfulness. How has He provided for us, protected us, and guided us, even when we didn't recognize His hand at work? How many times has He turned what was meant to curse us into a blessing?

Joshua's challenge to the people resonates with us today: "Choose this day whom you will serve." It's a call to make a deliberate, conscious decision to follow God. But it's not just about making a choice – it's about living out that choice every day.

This choice requires us to "put away the foreign gods" that may be lurking in our lives. These might not be literal idols, but anything that competes for our devotion and trust. It could be our reliance on our own strength, our pursuit of worldly success, or our attachment to comfort and ease. Choosing to serve God means identifying these "idols" and deliberately setting them aside.

The people responded enthusiastically to Joshua's challenge, declaring, "We will serve the Lord!" But Joshua pressed them further, warning them of the seriousness of this commitment. Serving God is not a casual decision or an emotional response – it's a lifelong commitment that will be tested.

This commitment is not just individual, but communal. Joshua gathered all the tribes, including the elders, leaders, judges, and officers. In our own lives, we need to surround ourselves with fellow believers who will encourage us, challenge us, and stand with us in our commitment to God.

The story reminds us that our journey with God is not always smooth. The Israelites faced battles as they entered the Promised Land. Similarly, when we choose to follow God wholeheartedly, we may face opposition – sometimes from unexpected sources. But we can take comfort in knowing that God goes before us, fights for us, and gives us victory.

Moreover, God often works in ways we don't expect. Just as He turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, He can take what others mean for harm and use it for our good and His glory. This requires us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

As we navigate life's challenges, we must remember that our strength doesn't come from our own abilities or resources. God reminded the Israelites that it wasn't their swords or bows that brought victory, but His power. Similarly, our success and blessings come not from our own efforts, but from God's grace.

This truth should humble us and increase our gratitude. How often do we take credit for our achievements, forgetting that every good gift comes from above? The land, cities, and prosperity the Israelites enjoyed were not earned, but given by God. In the same way, we should recognize and be thankful for the unearned blessings in our lives.

Choosing to serve God is not a burden, but a privilege. It's an opportunity to align ourselves with the Creator of the universe, to experience His love, guidance, and provision. It's a chance to be part of something greater than ourselves, to live with purpose and eternal significance.

But this choice must be renewed daily. It's easy to declare our commitment in a moment of spiritual high, but the real test comes in the mundane moments of everyday life. Will we choose to serve God when it's inconvenient, when it goes against cultural norms, or when it requires sacrifice?

As we make this choice, we can draw strength from the promises of God. He assures us of His presence, His protection, and His power. Psalm 27 reminds us that even when enemies encamp against us, we can be confident in God's faithfulness. He will hide us in His shelter and set us high upon a rock.

In conclusion, the call to choose whom we will serve is as relevant today as it was in Joshua's time. It's a call to examine our hearts, to identify and remove any idols, and to commit ourselves fully to God. It's a call to remember His faithfulness in the past and trust Him for the future. It's a call to live with purpose, integrity, and devotion.

As we navigate life's journey, may we echo Joshua's declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." May we make this choice not just once, but every day, in every circumstance. And may we experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that comes from wholehearted devotion to our faithful God.