Today’s message is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing change and preparing for increase in our lives. Maybe your marriage is good but your career needs some improvement. Maybe your ministry is going well but your relationships are suffering. What can you do differently? What do you need to change? You must learn to recognize the need for change and be ready for God’s blessings and challenges that come with them.
According to the first chapter of Joshua, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their lack of belief and constant complaining. However, a significant shift occurred when Joshua took over leadership after Moses' death. What was in the past was no longer relevant; new methods and perspectives were necessary to move forward. Just as Joshua was called to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we too must change some things in our lives to break through to increase. What was isn’t now.
Methods must change. Holding onto old ways can prevent us from experiencing new blessings. The Bible warns against using old wineskins for new wine. Similarly, we must be open to new ways of doing things to receive the new blessings God has in store for us. Do you want new wine, new results? Embrace the change. Embrace new roles. Recognize the season you’re in. If you are under 40 years old, get ready. There is a generational shift coming.
As the new generation begins to take over, God is moving mightily, but with an increased anointing comes an increased grind. Success in any area of life requires hard work and dedication. Whether it’s in business, marriage, or personal growth, we must be willing to put in the effort. Learn something new that you don’t know. Get better at serving, loving, learning and leading. Joshua understood the importance of the grind and was prepared to lead the Israelites because he had been through the process.
Understanding that there is purpose in the process is crucial. You are in a process of God preparing you for the next level. God prepares us through various experiences and challenges. Joshua’s journey didn’t start in Joshua 1; it began long before, as he served as Moses’ assistant. Moses mentored him and talked to him, teaching him what he knew, over and over again. He also fought battles, commanding the armies of Israel. This preparation was essential for him to lead the Israelites successfully. Similarly, our experiences and challenges are part of God’s process to prepare us for greater things. Keep showing up. Keep working at it. Increase is coming.
Joshua commanded the leaders to prepare the people for the crossing of the Jordan River in 3 days, after 40 years of wandering. This act of preparation was crucial for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. The process has kept us in the wilderness long enough. It’s time to shift and change. This is the next step in our journey and the time is now. Forty years of misery can end in 3 days. Possess the land.
We must recognize the generational shift that is happening. Younger generations are being handed the baton. If you are in the younger generation, get ready to lead. There’s a harvest anointing on your life right now. Increase is coming. You’re crossing over into your Promised Land.
This week, challenge yourself to embrace change and prepare for increase in your life. Reflect on the areas where you need to adapt and be open to new methods. Recognize the purpose in your current process and be willing to put in the effort required for success. Don’t grow weary in well-doing.
Remember, God is always working for our good, even in the midst of challenges. Embrace the changing seasons and be ready to take the next step. By doing this, you can position yourself for the increase and blessings God has in store for you. Let’s support and encourage each other, especially emerging leaders and servants of God, as we navigate this journey together.
