Bishop Claude Alexander uses Joshua’s battle at Ai to remind us to be laser focused on our goals—even when we are defeated. In the text, God delivers a message to Joshua for the children of Israel, who were paralyzed with fear after a devastating defeat. The people have an unfinished task of possessing the land God has promised. Real life affirms that the pathway to the things promised by God is crossed with moments of challenge, destruction and disappointment. These moments cause us to become disoriented and we lose our focus. However, God tells Joshua (and us) to not be discouraged and He gives Joshua orders for a successful takeover of the land. Springing to action—even without full clarity–Joshua keeps his spear (and his focus) pointed as God told him, and the people rush into the land and capture the city and burn it. We too should keep our focus on God’s purpose for our lives because God has not changed His mind. We need to bring the heat and fire and anointing of God to follow our purpose and be focused on our goals.
Scripture: Joshua 8:1-26 NLT