Daily Devotional
"Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise..."
Joshua 12:1
Joshua 12 reads like an ancient victory song – thirty-one defeated kings representing thirty-one specific moments when God proved faithful to his promises. Each name on this list represents a miracle, a moment when God’s power overcame human impossibility. The Israelites didn’t record these names for historical accuracy alone; they preserved them as monuments to divine faithfulness.
We often rush past such lists in Scripture, but God included them for a reason. He knows our tendency to forget his goodness when new challenges arise. Like the Israelites, we need regular reminders of God’s track record in our lives. When we face present battles, our first response should be remembrance – not of our own strength, but of God’s proven faithfulness.
This practice of remembrance isn’t mere nostalgia; it’s a spiritual discipline that builds faith for future battles. Every victory God has won in your life – every temptation overcome, every provision made, every prayer answered – these aren’t just history. They’re evidence of God’s character and down payments on future grace.
Today's Challenge
What specific victories has God won in your life over the past year? How can remembering these strengthen your faith for current challenges?
Prayer
Lord, help me to be like the Israelites who carefully recorded your faithfulness. Give me a heart that remembers your goodness and builds monuments to your mercy in my life. When new battles come, remind me of the victories you've already won. Amen.
