Recently I had the privilege of speaking at a summer camp for boys, aged 9 to 12. During that week, the Holy Spirit moved and twelve campers received Jesus as their Savior. On the last night, one 9-year-old boy—who had received salvation during the camp—approached me and said, “You changed my life!” I smiled and replied, “I’m so happy, but God is the One who truly changed your life!” I knew it was God who had done the work in the precious boy’s heart.
In Joshua’s final words to Israel, we find the well-seasoned warrior, now a “very old man,” pointing to God as the reason for all their victories. “You have seen everything the LORD your God has done for you during my lifetime. The LORD your God has fought for you” (Joshua 23:2-3). His focus wasn’t on himself or his accomplishments, but on what God had “done,” what He “will” do (Joshua 23:5), and the importance of being “careful to follow” God and His commands (Joshua 23:6).
Successes in life can sometimes cause us to think it’s all about us. We can become prideful and think it was our performance, our abilities, our resources that made good things happen (Deuteronomy 8:11-18). Much like the idolatry Joshua warned the Israelites to avoid in his closing address (Joshua 23:7, Joshua 24:15), our self-worship will lead to dreadful destinations.
Instead, as we recognize that it’s God who “fights for [us]” and truly love and worship Him (Joshua 23:10-11), we’ll find praise for what He’s done rolling off our lips. We’ll humbly acknowledge it’s all about Him! As Joshua stated, “Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your God has come true” (Joshua 23:14).
Reflect on what God has done in your life today. Rejoice in His faithfulness. Remember all that He has done.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 7:1-31
More:
Read Joshua 10:11-14 and consider the amazing things God did to gain victory for His people.
Next:
What happens when you begin to think your successes are all about you? Why is it important for us to honor and worship God for what He’s done in and around us?
Sheridan Voysey on July 27, 2015 at 6:31 am
Just such an important reminder, Tom. It’s always *His* work. We just get to join in.
Thanks.
Tom Felten on July 27, 2015 at 8:28 am
So true, Sheridan. And I’m grateful for how you and Merryn have beautifully displayed this truth!
Gary Shultz on July 27, 2015 at 6:40 am
Since there is a next section, I usually like to respond to that….If we believe success is about us we have become our own little god. We know what is best, we plan for more prosperity and credit our self for it. However in the next question we see that a heart that honors God has understood that God alone knows and holds the future. We acknowledge God’s leadership and humbly join His work and plan, since we understand He knows and wants what is best specifically for us as He works. Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. A good healthy start wouldn’t you say. Thanks
Tom Felten on July 27, 2015 at 8:30 am
Yes, Gary, a reverent fear of God leads to true wisdom.
Mike Wittmer on July 27, 2015 at 7:22 am
Double Amen! Our message cost Jesus His life. It only costs us our words. May He receive all the glory for using the gospel He died for to bring others to new life.
Tom Felten on July 27, 2015 at 8:31 am
Mike, we were looking at the issue of “atonement” during our worship service yesterday. What an amazing thing God has done through the blood of Jesus!
BearPair on July 27, 2015 at 7:32 am
What a tremendous, encouraging way to begin the week! Thank you Tom for this superb kick-start! And isn’t that age of boys fun… memories of my times doing exactly what you were doing are filled wt truly fun, God-honoring things! What a privilege!
Tom Felten on July 27, 2015 at 8:33 am
BearPair, yep, you can see so much joy and potential in this age group. What a blessing it was for me to spend time teaching them and learning from them!
joycemb on July 27, 2015 at 10:14 am
Thank you Tom. Retired now and living amongst other retirees we all tend to talk about our past life of work, family, etc. Yet there’s always a sadness about it. Good to be reminded that it’s God’s work we’ve done and not our own.
Tom Felten on July 27, 2015 at 10:18 am
Yes, and how great is it to know that He continues to work in and through us—we may retire from a job, but we’re still being used to grow His kingdom!
Marlena Graves on July 27, 2015 at 10:54 am
This is really a good reminder that everything is grace. You are right; our downfall comes when we strut about as if we are God. Also, I think about how some people dismiss children and their ability to absorb such truth. Thank you for speaking into those boys’ lives all in the name of Jesus.
Tom Felten on July 27, 2015 at 3:01 pm
It was wonderful to see the Holy Spirit work in their hearts, Marlena. What a blessing to see the living God drawing young lives to Himself!