A New Day

Joshua 7:10, “And the LORD said unto Joshua, ‘Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?’” A young Polish boy wanted to play piano, but his teacher told him that his fingers were too stubby and that he would never play well. The boy was advised to try the cornet, but was later told by an expert musician that he did not have the lip to ever be good. Then one day he met the great pianist, Anton Rubinstein. The famous musician gave this young boy the first bit of encouragement he ever received. “Young man,” Rubinstein said, “you might be able to play the piano. In fact, I think you can. If you will practice seven hours a day you will be successful.” That was all the encouragement he needed. The great Rubinstein had told him he could do it. He would have to dedicate his life to practicing piano, but he could do it. He could be good! Anton Rubinstein said so! He did practice for many hours a day and his hard work was rewarded, for years later, Jan Paderewski became one of the most famous pianists of his time. An encouraging word carried within it the power to ignite a young boy’s eager spirit, which burned brightly for decades. Listen friend, your encouraging word, given today, may forever change a receptive life. Notice our Scripture lesson today. After the initial defeat at Ai, Joshua was lying face down in the dirt, obviously feeling dejected and impotent after suffering a crushing defeat. When he needed the most, the Lord sent an angel with this word of encouragement: “Why are you lying on your face? Get up!” In other words, the battle is not over. Get up and dust yourself off. One set back does not define a war, or a life. Listen friend, one faltering moment or one person’s negative opinion of you should not define your life. At this moment I am sent into your life, at the beginning of this day, to remind you that there is hope. You will succeed. The discouraging events of yesterday will not thwart the bright future God has for you. So get up, dust yourself off, and get back in the battle. Your victory begins now with new resolve to adopt a never-quit attitude with this and each new day.