God spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses to go forth and possess the land that God had given them (Joshua 1:1-3). God would go before the Israelites, and as long as they obeyed they would have victory. The Israelites had crossed over the Jordan River and took Jericho with God's miraculous power (Joshua 6). We know, too, when they attacked Ai they were defeated. Why? - because they were unfaithful regarding the things under the ban. God had told them; they had disobeyed. Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes and put dust on their heads in repentance of what they did. We also know that God saw and forgave them, and they defeated Ai because God went before them and gave them the victory.

We, today, also have many battles before us as we walk this Christian walk with our God. We are to keep our eyes focused on him, and then victory will be ours. Obedience to the will of God is not easy in this world of sin. We know that God loves us and knows all about us, and he watches over us; God is still the same today as yesterday and he never changes. His mercy, grace and forgiveness are there for us, and coming to him and letting him lead us will bring victory in our lives today.

We are to remember whom we serve - God Almighty, the Creator of all - and there is none like him.

Grace Madden, Shag Harbor, Nova Scotia