FRIEND OR FOE

Today's reading: Joshua 1-5

"As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with a sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, Are you friend or foe?" Joshua 5:13 NLT

There are four things I notice in this verse, four things that I want to take with me throughout this remaining 364 days of the year...

1. Joshua went and surveyed his obstacle. 

He didn't let his wild imaginations get the best of him, he went out and got the facts. From facts we can progress with intention and surety.

2. Joshua had his chin up.

He could have been moping. He could have been cowering. He could have been mumbling and grumbling. But Joshua walked with his head up and saw what was before him, the opportunities.

3. Joshua went right up to this angel.

Joshua didn't send a delegation. Joshua didn't write a letter. Joshua went right up to the angel, the elephant in the room and started a conversation.

4. Joshua asked the most important question one can ask--Are you for me or against me?

Joshua didn't assume. Joshua didn't ignore. Joshua didn't percolate an opinion. He asked, point blank. Are you from God (for me) or are you from my enemy? 

I want to approach this year as Joshua approached this man of God. I want to see what my problem is, I want to keep my head held high, I want to approach the the situation head on and I want to determine, every thought, if it is from God or not.