Be strong, be courageous. Joshua was told this multiple times but that still didn’t keep him from spiraling when events didn’t turn out as he expected. Things started out well. The Jordan River stopped as they crossed (a powerful and comforting reminder of their exit from Egypt). They enter the Promised Land, manna ceases (they don’t need it anymore), and they eat the produce of the land. Joshua receives a visit from the Commander of the Lord’s army! Jericho is defeated! What a beginning for Joshua as he leads the people! He saw so much proof of the Lord’s guidance and provision.  

Ai is the next place to conquer. Spies are sent out and they return saying to not make all the men go to battle. Just 3,000 soldiers will do the trick. (Did they ask God what He wanted?) They go but return in utter failure. What was supposed to be an easy win didn’t turn out as they expected. As a result, the people lost heart. And Joshua, who was told to be strong and courageous multiple times, cries out in Joshua 7:7 “God, why did you ever bring us across the Jordan if You are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we were content to remain on the other side of Jordan” (and not enter the long-anticipated Promised Land?!?!).  

The new leader spirals as he loses the vision he has spent his life looking forward to. He feels confusion and second guesses what he thought he knew and what he had so passionately pursued with confidence. How quickly Joshua doubts it all! Had he forgotten all that God did to get them there? He wasn’t open to other possibilities in the scenario. Joshua didn’t wonder if there was a sin issue. Achan had taken and hidden the sacred items. But right away it seems that Joshua jumps to questioning everything - purpose, vision, plan of God, heritage, future security. But God answers him and says, “Stand up, Israel has sinned.” Joshua was looking in the wrong direction. 

When our expectations don’t turn out like how we imagined, we too can lose sight of all that God has already done and how He is leading us. Expectations are challenging because we don’t always even recognize the expectation until we find it is not met. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So may we take our confusion and unmet expectations and bring them to Jesus and trust Him to lead and accomplish His plans in and through us. Don’t let unexpected events cause you to lose sight of all that God is doing. His plans have not changed and His promises are sure.