“As the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.”
Joshua 11:15 NKJV
Do you remember the “telephone game”? Where one person whispers a phrase to another who whispers it to the next person in line and on and on it goes until the last person repeats out-loud what they heard? By the time it’s reached the end of the line, it’s usually radically different. People either misheard or misunderstood the message they were given – or they intentionally changed it – until it was no longer recognizable. That’s what I pictured when I read today’s passage.
Moses was given DETAILED instructions and the Bible says that Joshua did everything the Lord had commanded Moses. Joshua was paying attention – careful attention – because he knew it mattered. That’s pretty impressive!
In my role as a “middle manager,” I’m responsible to keep the integrity of the message I am entrusted to communicate or entrusted to fulfill – not adding to it and not changing it. It’s the same with my faith – as a Believer and follower of G-d, I have to pay attention to His voice and His word so I represent HIM in all things. I have to pay attention – pay close attention – because the details matter.
Flying home yesterday I met a navy man, Shannon, who is second in command of a large team of aviation mechanics. We were sharing leadership experiences and leadership lessons. He said something that really left me pondering and I’m totally using. He said he often tells his team they “can either run towards failure or walk towards success, and when it really matters – and it all matters – be intentional, take your time, pay attention, get it right the first time, and have integrity.”
I haven’t gotten much sleep the last few days because I’ve been worrying and stressing over some things. As I was praying and seeking G-d’s wisdom in how to walk through some of them and “get it all done”, He reminded me of what Shannon said yesterday, and G-d whispered to my heart, “be intentional, walk slow, it’s ok to take your time, just follow close behind Me.” I realized I’ve been trying to run ahead, my spirit in a state of constant hurry and rush lately but He has a better way for me!!
Today, I’m unplugging and resting in G-d knowing that He’s walking ahead of me and I’m following His lead and His pace. I’m paying attention to what He says and what He’s showing me so I get it right because He knows best. May my life be a pure reflection of Him.
Father – I’m so overwhelmed at Your goodness to me! Thank You for how You love me and speak to me. Thank You for caring about the details of my life. I’ve been doing things in my own strength a lot lately. Thank You for lovingly reminding me I don’t have to perform or to be perfect to be loved. I don’t have to try and prove I’m “good enough” because You accept me, saved me, and healed me. You are so good. You are so kind. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
PS: thank you Shannon for your service and for letting G-d use you.
Daily Reading: Joshua 9-11