When God gives us an unconditional promise, all we need to do is wait for it to happen. But when He makes a conditional promise, we have a part to play in order to see it fulfilled. Sometimes that calls for taking the initiative. For Israel, it meant being willing to face opposition and drive the occupying nations from the promised land so it could be theirs. ‘Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in front of the people, “Be strong and brave, because you will lead these people into the land the Lord promised to give their ancestors, and help them take it as their own. The Lord himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry”’ (v.7-8 NCV). God encouraged Joshua to take the initiative, promising that He would go ahead of Joshua and act on his behalf if Joshua would carry out the task and trust Him. And He’s saying the same thing to us today. Here is what it means to take the initiative: 1) Knowing what you want. We can’t be indecisive and be effective at the same time. We need to be clear about what we want and what God wants us to do, otherwise we’ll come to a standstill and never move from where we are. 2) Being willing to take risks. When God gives us a job to do, He’s promised to go before us and arrange the circumstances in our favour. Taking the initiative can be scary. Faith in God doesn’t eliminate fear – it overcomes it. So be brave and take the initiative.

What Now?

Are you unsure about what decision to make about something? Set aside some time today to talk to God about it and ask for His wisdom. Be ready to do what He says, knowing that He’s going before us.