Have you ever been scammed? Conned?  Given money to only find out later it is not for a legitimate cause? If you have been scammed – and you had an opportunity to confront that person, what would you do?  How would you act? Sometimes bad decisions are just about losing money. Hurts our pride. Some bad decisions carry further, more serious consequences. Today…we will learn a very important lesson from the OT and see how God has a way of using bad situations to do wonderful things – if we will work with Him.

I.  What to do upon making a bad decision:

A.        Joshua 9:3-9, 14-15

1.          Gibeonites had heard of God’s victory over the Canaanite people – afraid!

a)          9:8 – we are your servants. Appeal to Joshua’s ego.

2.         9:16, 18 – Realized he had been deceived.  People began to grumble.

B.        Joshua took responsibility for the error.

1.          9:14b – upon making the decision to make peace – what important element did Joshua leave out?  No godly counsel.

2.         Bottom line: Joshua knew he fell short in his leadership role.

3.          God calls upon Christians to take ownership of their mistakes.

4.         9:14b – a decision made w/o God’s counsel will cause problems. e.g.,

a)          Set ourselves up for problems.

b)         We may violate our conscience.

c)          We set ourselves up for a constant struggle.

d)         We detour the successful life God has for us.

C.         Stay true to your promise and to God.

1.          9:25 – Joshua could have responded anyway he wanted.

2.         When God’s person makes a promise, he keeps it.  Why?

a)          Our reputation depends on it.

b)         What others believe about Christianity depends on it.

c)          We have an opportunity to exhibit the spirit of Christ.

3.          With God’s person, retaliation over hurt does not enter the equation.

4.         What if you had been Joshua? 

II.     We must be ready to follow through in faith.

A.        9:27 – Joshua made them slaves. People now his responsibility.

B.        10:1-5 – here comes trouble.

C.         10:8 – this time – Joshua seeks God’s counsel.

1.          10:9-11 – Joshua’s obedience rewarded.

D.        God is in a partnership with us. Seen in relationship with Joshua.

1.          God encouraged Joshua – 1:8 – I have delivered them into your hand.

2.         God planned ahead – 1:8 – not one of them shall stand before you.

3.          God walked beside Joshua – 1:11 – God cast down hailstones from heaven.

4.         God gave the victory – 1:11 – more died from hailstones than killed by Israelites.

E.         There is no situation so bad that God cannot make it good.

Conclusion:

A.        There are no excuses for bad choices or bad behavior.

B.        We serve a God who does not give up on us. He has not given up on you.