The Value of Both Wisdom and Power

“Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, ‘Go up and spy out the country.’ So the men went up and spied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few. So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water… So the Lord said to Joshua: ‘Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also trangressed My covenant which I have commended them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. ” – Joshua 7:2-5, 10-11

The previous chapter of Joshua, Israel had just defeated Jericho.  God wisdom and power Joshua used to defeat Jericho and was successful.  Joshua then used the same wisdom but lacking Gods power to try and defeat the city of Ai.  Israel was defeated during this first battle at AI by using previously learned wisdom but lacking God’s power.

God want us to have Gods wisdom and power in all areas of our lives, not just truth but the whole truth. The city of Ai was supposed to be a simple victory for Joshua. Joshua relied on his own wisdom and knowledge during this first battle and was defeated. The battle lacked the power of God.

“But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:24

The areas you ignore or neglect, Satan will use to destroy you.

At times, people can be serving so much in areas of their lives like at church or work and neglecting their family or marriage. God wants you in a place where you have the power and wisdom of God. He wants you to be in a location where you are able to serve the church without neglecting your family or marriage.  

Pursue God with a blessed life. The loss Joshua suffered at Ai appears simple to the natural eye, yet there was a spiritual cause that prevented the victory from taking place.

“Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power, your enemies shall submit themselves to You.” – Psalm 66:3

There are situations in your life that you will only overcome through the power of God.

Don’t Separate the Power from the Wisdom of God.

The wisdom and power of God go hand in hand. The power of God brings the blessings into your life, but the wisdom of God keeps our marriages and grows it in your life. We have a role to play in our lives; it’s not just up to God. God wants to help you through the power of prayer and his Word. God’s will give you instructions when you seek him to overcome difficulties in your life. Just like he did for Joshua. After the defeat, Joshua sought out God. God then gave Joshua a set of instructions on how to defeat Ai. Seek God’s wisdom in your life.

Commit to Growing in Every Area of Your Life.

“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established” – Proverbs 24:3

Through God’s wisdom, all things can be built.

“Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Matthew 13:12 

The power and wisdom of God helped Hungry Generation become the church it is today.  It was through the power and wisdom of God who gave the early pastors the instructions to raise up the next generation to be preachers and teachers. Don’t just rely on your own strength even though it might have worked before in your life. During every challenge in your life ask God for the power and wisdom to deal with this challenge. Everything in this life is battling against you in the spiritual and physical realms; you will need God’s wisdom to combat these forces. 

God wants the best for you and your life; we need to rely on His power and wisdom.  Gods’ wisdom will teach us in our marriages and families.  As God teaches you and you grow, others around you will be blessed, your family, church, co-workers. Spend time in prayer and reading the Word.

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:4

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