Exiting 2022 and Entering 2023
SUP With Me: Words of Inspiration
The year of 2022 has been quite the journey for us all. We have encountered new people, perhaps parted from some as well. We have experienced both gains and losses in many ways. Perhaps you have felt moments of complete push and drive and moments of slow momentum. However, what we all have in common is that we have lived through it in 2022 and have now embarked on the beginning of a New Year. Now what do we say to our experience from last year? Do we reflect on what we would consider to be negative and determine how to pursue the positive? Or do we conclude that our life experiences have been purposed and presented not to hurt us, but to grow us into gaining true perspective on life’s journey.
In the book of Joshua chapters 1-10, we see how he led the Israelites to the promised land and how he and his warriors conquered each territory from AI to the Southern and Northern cities. With all the great victories the Lord continued to show Himself mighty, strong and faithful in the face of the nations. In Joshua 10 there was a King named Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem. He had heard of all the great victories that Joshua and the Israelites had, and he became very furious. He even planned to take down Gibeon who had formed peace with Israel. Due to this, Joshua agreed to help Gibeon defeat them. The Lord once again told Joshua “Do not be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.” Joshua kept faith in the word of the Lord despite how large the enemy appeared to be and every time the Lord was right there, giving them victory. The Lord allowed hailstones to fall upon the enemy’s soldiers and that day more of the enemy died from hailstones than the Israelites killed with the sword, Joshua 10:11.
As they fled before Israel, the LORD threw large hailstones on them from the sky along the descent of Beth-horon all the way to Azekah, and they died. More of them died from the hail than the Israelites killed with the sword.
Joshua 10:11
When we reflect on this story, we see that the journey of the Israelites was not easy. They had to face many armies, many attacks, in which each time the Lord gave them the victory. Their disobedience prior to entering the promised land helped them to see that the Lord had still been faithful despite their choices. They were able to see that the Lord was a God of another chance, to those who submit their hearts back to Him. They were able to see that the Lord would never forsake them, and they could depend on him regardless of the matter. Joshua and the people of Israel’s faith, was being built, tested and tried. It was there through their faith that they experienced their victory!
Let us all be very intentional to reflect on our journey as we move forward into 2023. There is much to be gained that will help us remain focused on God’s promises and committed to following Him. Remembering the experience was necessary to progress you forward!
Happy New Year!
Glory Givers Word and Worship 