The above verse can be construed to mean we should go out and "do great things for God." But when we look at the next verse, and then think about how spies were sent out, about the placing of stones in certain positions, how the captain of the Lord's army appeared to Joshua, about the time of circumcision, about the ceasing of the manna, about the specific directions concerning Jericho, we begin to realize that it is not just a case of rushing out and trying to take land for God.

God has a specific plan for all we are to do. We are to walk as He directs, not according to our own wisdom and desires.

If one is looking for a verse to verify that we are to go out and do something for the Lord, Joshua 1:3 would be hard to equal. It takes its stand along with "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"; "go into all the world and make disciples of all nations"; "you shall say to this mountain, be cast into the sea, and it shall obey you."

These invitations to action are found in the holy Scriptures. All are of the Holy Spirit. All serve as a scriptural "support" for the individual who wishes to "do great things for God."

But there is another way! Instead of using such promises and commands we can go to the Lord to find out what He wants us to do; how He desires that we fulfill His Scriptures.

Are we to read the Scriptures and attempt to work for the Lord, or are we to look to the Lord and wait on Him for direction? Which is the best way to please and serve the Lord?

When we first are saved there is much we are to do that is practical and straightforward, such as reading our Bible, praying, attending the assembling of the saints, giving, and serving as we have opportunity.

When we receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit we are to covet earnestly the best gifts, seeking to excel to the building up of the Body of Christ.

Now God is calling us to a further step toward the rest of God. We are to learn how to work with the Lord instead of for Him. It requires faith to enter the rest of God—faith that God is in control and knows what He is doing. God is building His Church. God is reaching out and saving people from all walks of life. Our task as we enter the rest of God, into our inheritance in the Lord, is to be obedient to what God is telling us.

When we take our position on the cross, waiting on the Lord, refusing to jump off the roof of the temple, there are many voices that will challenge us to come down and do something. "Get busy and work for the Lord. The King's business requires haste."

Now we have a choice to make. Do we refer to verses such as Joshua 1:3 and set out to see how much land we are able to possess, or do we turn to the Lord and seek to find His will, even though many years of waiting may be required before we hear?

How do you feel about this? What decision will you make? (from Buying the Truth)