Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Yes to God Tuesday


Well... once again my Yes to God Tuesday post is on Wednesday. This is the final chapter of the book study that we have been doing over on Lelia's blog. We have been going through Lysa Terkeurst's book, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. This book has really been great. God has taught me so much as I have read this.... He seemed to have me right where He wanted me to be for each chapter. Imagine that.



Chapter 20 Every Promise Fulfilled

In this chapter, Lysa reminded us of God's imperfect people and His perfect plan. How God could take a nothing and through obedience make it into a something.

God promised a great nation would come through a childless man named Abraham.

God took what was meant for evil and turned it into good as He took Joseph from a life of betrayal and prison and made him the second most powerful man in the world.

God also took Moses and all of his excuses, and used him to lead His people to the Promised Land. He even SAW God.

Then, God used Joshua to lead His people into the Promised Land.

Her description of Joshua tells us...

"his determination and absolute obedience to God. He threw aside all his human reservations and followed hard after God."

Oh... to have absolute obedience to God. That is what I want. My spirit is willing... but my flesh is so weak.....

She then compares Moses' call and Joshua's call...

"Moses looked for reasons that he couldn't do what God called him to do.
Joshua must have known his calling had very little to do with his qualifications."

If I would just take that to heart. What God is calling me to do is dependent upon Him fulfilling it through my obedience to Him. Not on anything that I can muster up on my own.

She also said,

"Did Joshua's confidence come as a natural by-produce of his personality? I don't think so. If confidence came naturally to Joshua, I don't think God would have had to tell him to be strong and courageous over and over again. No, Joshua's confidence was steadfast because he was confident in God's promises."

The more I study God's Word and the more I know God... the more I realize that I have to depend on the trustworthiness of God and His promises. He is the promise keeper. He just asks me to be obedient and willing to do what He calls me to do. It sounds so easy.

Lysa then said,

"God gave the children of Israel victory and placed their fears under their feet. Joshua's obedient heart inspired his followers to become quick, obedient people."

It will be God that gives me victory... not me. And then to realize that my obedience or my lack of obedience will be what determines my followers' path. Oh my... I want my children to see me be obedient to God, to despite all odds that are stacked against me. I want them to realize that it is God that brings victory... lest they try it in their own strength all of their lives. That will bring such frustration and misery. I need to learn from Joshua. I have got to learn from Joshua.

I have to say again, this book has been right on the money. God has met with me on each page. I am grateful that Lysa was obedient to God and penned this book, so that we could learn through her experience of walking in Faith. If you are interested in what this last chapter or this whole book has meant to others, just click here.


We will be starting a new book study next week. I cannot wait. It is the book that is on my sidebar. Why don't you just grab a copy and come along?? Sign up here. There is nothing like studying with your sisters. We learn so much from God and from each other.
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10 comments:

Shell in your Pocket said...

I stopped by to say "hi"...I am doing the next study next Tuesday...looking forward to reading the book!
Cute blog!
-SandyToes

Runner Mom said...

Hey, Lynn!

I'm with you on Joshua! I think I need to go back and really read more about him! Maybe someone should write a book about him!!

Hugs,
Susan

Beverly said...

Thanks for sharing. I have been reading this book, but no where near finished yet. I'm taking it slow and allowing God to really show me what He wants for me. But it sure has been great reading your blogs after each chapter because it helps give me someone elses insight.

Regina said...

what to do? what to do? how can I possibly squeeze in another study???

gonna go check out what this book is about, i'll be back. . .

Amy said...

Lynn, I love how you pointed out what she said about Joshua's personality.

It reminds me of the verses found in Matthew 7.

Matthew 7:-24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

The storms were exactly the same, only the foundations were different.

Much like Joshua, he was just like us...He just chose to move forward in faith, instead of standing still in fear.

Thanks for this encouragement today!
God Bless,
Amy:)

Regina said...

OK! OK! I bought my book, signed up at Lelia's, AND put the button on my blog! Whew!!! Busy lunch break.

YAY!

Paula V said...

Reading Lysa's thoughts on Joshua made me put him on my list of people to study. I'm reading through Acts now for Paul. I want to also do an in depth look at David and then also now Joshua. There is so much to learn about God's people, how they lived, and how God reacted or acted based on their lives, faith, obedience. It all goes back to my post "Master's Touch, Our Faith". I am a whole-hearted believer that what God does can be and is based on what we do at times. We cannot do anything to earn His love and devotion but He does react according to our actions. I think He favors obedience. I think He favors those who sacrifice for Him. I think He favors those who choose to follow when the world says go this way.

Anyway, I didn't mean to be long winded.

I finally posted. Just thought I'd let you know since you were checking on me last week.

I just received my book for our next online study. I hope to start reading chapter one tonight if nothing comes in the way. :-)

Lelia Chealey said...

Great post Lynn! I love reading what God showed to you in this last chapter. I agree that what I was reading was what I needed to hear that day. So amazing how God works that kind of stuff out.
I'm THRILLED you are going to be doing the next study. It's going to be an awesome one sister! Let's be prepared for God to show out like never before!!! SO excited...can you tell? ;)
Love ya,
Lelia
How are things with your teen?

Jill Beran said...

Yes this has been quite the journey, the timing continues to remind that it's all in God's hands. I loved the fact that you brought up that others are watching, especially our children. I feel I'm at the crossroads - God has revealed what He wants me to do, so now I have a decision to make. When I look at all it could lead to, somethings good and somethings hard, I'm scared at times and others excited, but as everything that has led up to this point matches up exactly with Lysa's words I know what I need to do. You reminded me of another reason I need to obey - those 6 little eyes that are watching because someday I want them to be able to say yes Lord as well. Thanks Lynn!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Hey Lynn~
I'm so glad I stopped by!! Your thoughts have challenged me, as well as inspired me.

I'm so excited to get know you more through this Bible Study.

Kim~