Is seeing the ONLY way to believe?

Joshua 1-3

The book of Joshua was only 24 chapters so I read them over a couple of days.  Most of the book is an account of the wars that were fought and what land was given to which tribe. 

I found myself skimming through a lot of Joshua.  However, when I went back to begin journaling what I had underlined, I realized there were quite a few things that touched my heart and lessons to be learned in this great book. 

First, I loved the little "pep talk" God gave, directly, to Joshua.  He tells him three times "be strong and courageous!"  He also tells him not to be discouraged, or afraid, and to keep His laws.  He promises to be with him just as He was with Moses!

"I will not fail you or abandon you."  (1:5)

That must have meant a lot to Joshua because I'm sure he questioned his ability to follow in the steps of Moses. 

The people even assured him that they would "do what he commanded and go where he sends them" and mimicked the words of their God - "be strong and courageous!" 

I imagine people were tempted to "compare" Joshua's leadership to that of Moses.  In fact, the bible records moments when they said to him, "the Lord instructed Moses...."

Joshua could have fallen into a trap of self doubt but instead he marched on knowing that God was with him and that he had a very specific purpose! 

Both he and Moses had their own part to play and Joshua must have been able to recognize that.  He understood that the nation's true leader was God and THAT never changed.

Only the instrument He used.

True to his word (was there any doubt?) God went ahead and showed them favor long before the Israelites took their first step into battle.

Joshua sent two spies into the promise land much the way Moses did, to "size up" the competition.  However, this time...the outcome was very different.  They ran into a prostitute and this is what she told them:

1.  I know the Lord has given you this land.
2.  We are all afraid.  EVERYONE is living in terror.
3.  We have heard the Lord has made a dry path for you.
4.  Our hearts are melted in fear!
5.  NO ONE has the courage to fight.
6.  Your God, is the supreme God.
7.  Jericho will be conquered.

Imagine!!!  Knowing you are going to war and the opposition is scared to death of you!  They do not have the courage to fight!  

God HAS gone before you! 

Just as God said, waaaaay back in Exodus, people are hearing the great things He has done for them! 

In chapter 2 verse 24 the spies went back to the people and told them, "the Lord is going to give us the whole land for sure!  All of the people in the land are terrified of our people!!" 

Um, yeah.  Hasn't God been telling them that all along? 

Why is we have to see for ourselves or even hear it from someone else before we believe that what God says is true?