Joshua 7:7-13 (focus verse 10 – NIV)
The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”
Joshua pleaded with God. But “prayer is no substitute for the removal of sin (II Chronicles 27:6). It is the removal of sin that makes possible divine aid and intervention (8:1-29). ** Do you want to grow powerful in spirit? “Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God” (II Chronicles 27:6). We will walk “steadfastly” when we establish a daily routine of bowing before the Holy Spirit for inspection, correction, encouragement, training, and instruction. We will experience divine aid and intervention when we are doers, not just hearers, of God’s Word. Jesus said, “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love…” (John 14:15 The Message).