Impossible Impressions

Based on Joshua 7-9, Luke 1:21-38

We are very quick to judge a book by its cover, a situation by its circumstances...we are given a bad first impression by situations most of the time, and that locks us up in a fear of pursuing the victory, of completing the task...

Or, what's even more difficult, is when we are given an impression which deceives us into thinking we don't need God, and things seem "too easy" or "too good to be true." WE ALWAYS NEED THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD! We need those in our lives who can help guide us in the right direction-like a godly pastor!

"And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them."
Joshua 9:14‭-‬16.

Here is a deceiving first impression...all seemed well, but this group was supposed to be a defeated enemy. It's kind of like when we are supposed to do something, but only do it half-way. The project is left incomplete, and we just never return to it. We give up. We throw away the victory! That's exactly what happened here...these people were supposed to be removed so Israel could overtake the their area, but instead, they made a permanent league with them & they became Israel's servants.

It doesn't seem all bad, but it wasn't according to the greater plan God had for them! WE CAN'T BASE OUR ACTIONS ON FIRST IMPRESSIONS!! WE HAVE TO ALWAYS BASE OUR ACTIONS UPON GOD'S PERFECT WILL! God is the ONLY ONE who can help us make sense of these seemingly "impossible impressions."

"And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her."
Luke 1:36‭-‬38.

WITH GOD, THESE IMPRESSIONS ARE NO LONGER IMPOSSIBLE! With God, we understand the next steps to take when a situation presents itself to us. We just need to go with GOD's flow, not the flow of fear, panic, pride, or selfish desire...Mary didn't understand it at first, but she didn't run from this angel's first impression with her. She went along with the beautiful plan God had for her, and what a beautiful thing she did! Joshua did not seek counsel of The Lord before accepting a bad offer, and a victory was lost. We MUST seek God concerning anyone or anything that tries to make an impression upon us! We need God's direction always!