There’s no record of Joshua saying: “My life for the Lord is dull. I’m bored.” It seems the days were too short for him to do all he wanted to do for the Lord. When he took over after Moses, it seems he kept going flat-out as the leader of Israel.

Joshua was one of the originals who had come out of Egypt. He and Caleb were among the twelve men who checked out the land of Canaan and brought back their non-unanimous report to the Israelites. Ten said: “Forget it. We could never conquer that land. The enemies are stronger than we are.” But Joshua and Caleb courageously dissented: “Let’s go for it! With God on our side, there can be no obstacles!”  A refreshingly positive perspective, to say the least!

Due to the whining and complaining, and sin of the people of Israel, God stalled them in the wilderness, where they wandered around for 40 years. For most, those years probably seemed desperately long, frustrating and not particularly exciting.

Our Christian lives can resemble the wanderings in a wilderness when we are out of touch with God. The days turn into months and months into years, and really, we are going nowhere fast for the Lord. As a Christian, if my life is dull and I say I’m bored, there is something seriously lacking in my enjoyment of Christ.

You can do your own personal study of Joshua the Man and Joshua the Book, and you will be richly blessed. The Old Testament Book of Joshua corresponds with the Epistle to the Ephesians – and how richly we have been blessed in Christ – blessed with all spiritual blessings. (Ephesians 1:3) Riches that are ours to enjoy in this life but require conflict and conquest in the energy and power of the Holy Spirit.

Joshua had a consistent track record of keeping his eye on the Lord – long before he moved into the key leadership position. But now, his years of leading God’s people had whizzed by so quickly.  From his perspective, there was just so much to be done and too little time to do it all. Before he knew it, he was blowing out approximately 100 candles on his birthday cake when he received a card (sort of) from the Lord which said:

Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed. Joshua 13:1

Since the Lord saved you, have you been going flat out for the Lord? Or have you been derailed or side-tracked? Are you in sync with the Lord or out of step? When He saved you, He had plans for your life – territory for you to conquer and possessions to claim in your Christian life for His glory.

One almost gets out of breath reading the book of Joshua – it was one exploit after another. When Joshua took over the helm from Moses, the Lord said, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given unto you.”  So you can imagine how eager Joshua was to leave his tracks on as much ground as possible. Focused, upbeat, and positive – a man with a mission, busy and in step with God.

One writer said, “Though Hebrews does not mention Joshua, he was a tower of faith in Israel’s odyssey. His character was impeccable, never marred by scandal or sin during the years he served the Lord under Moses. His life is filled with lessons on how to live vigorously and victoriously by faith.”

How is your eagerness for the Lord today? Still lots of energy to claim new ground for the Lord? Or do you think you’ve peaked as a Christian, and it’s all downhill from here? Do you think you can coast to the finish line?

There was no coasting with the Apostle Paul in the New Testament either. He pressed toward the mark. (Philippians 3:14)

Spiritually, is life somewhat dull? Are you bored? Or is your heart pounding louder and louder with these words: “So much to be done! So much more to do!”

If I find my life dull and dreary – if boredom is setting in, it is time for me to get alone with the Lord to uncover what is wrong. Only then will I be able to move on with a fresh appreciation of all the spiritual possessions that are mine to claim and enjoy.

Greater than the Everest Death Zone Rescue – Gelje Sherpa

Christians without a spiritual ‘TO DO’ list are missing out!

Don’t hesitate to share a thought from your personal experience or a verse that has been a blessing to you –  in the comment section below. Or, if you would like to reach out privately, click below.