Posted: 20 March 2023

From a sermon given on 19 March 2023:

And the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
(Joshua 7:10-11}

After spying on the city of AI, those sent returned to Joshua and reported that not all the army had to go up against it. So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai and thirty-six of them killed. Their hearts melted in fear and became like water. Then Joshua and the elders tore their clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening.

God exposed to them the mistakes done and after correcting them, the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, go up and attack Ai. For I have given it into your hand"

"At times, failures invade our lives but of great importance is the ability to dissect and learn from them. Analysing the possible causes and how to evade them in future is more rewarding than a continuous grief without searching for possible solutions. Are there failures in your life that have derailed you from life's important course? Stand up and lament no more!. Learn from them and move on."

Further Readings:

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
(Proverbs 24:17)

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
(Micah 7:8)

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
(Proverbs 24:16)