One Day At A Time

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” Judges 1:1 

One of the most difficult challenges Israel faced in taking full possession of the promised land was the fact that there was no central government… there was no one king they could defeat and then force to sign a surrender. Israel had to take Canaan one city at a time.

Sometimes we have the mistaken impression that the moment we accept Jesus into our hearts, everything we’ve ever had a problem with is going to disappear. We see salvation as an instant tonic… one big swallow and all our troubles are gone! Well, that’s just not how it works. Yes, our sins are forgiven. But the consequences of those sins do not disappear. Neither do the temptations to sin again.

Relationships that are a mess don’t straighten up overnight. Emotional baggage you’ve been carrying around all your life doesn’t just disappear. Debts don’t get wiped out by winning the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. A dirty bathroom doesn’t get clean just because you think good thoughts.

Just like Israel faced the armies of Canaan, we have to face our problems one at a time. One day at a time; and sometimes, one moment at a time. But with the Lord’s help, each and every… each and every temptation… each and every trial… can be faced and overcome.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13