There are some defeats, failures, tragedies that feel permanent, but renewed dedication to the Lord can revive us from the depths of defeat. God gives Joshua directions to overcome this devastating loss that will help us overcome personal upsets: 

 

Get Up (v. 10-11)

 

The gravity or weight of defeat had knocked Joshua down, and the first thing that God tells him to do is get up 

Although Joshua was not directly responsible for Israel’s lost, because Israel lost Joshua was responsible.

 

Face your failures instead of falling on your face!!

 

The Lord acknowledges that the ultimate reason for Israel’s defeat was disobedience. (Sin) 

God’s indictment is not subjective, rather it is objective - Joshua 7:11

The nature of Israel’s transgression had a progression: theft, deception, adultery

 

Application: Do not play the victim, when the defeat is self-inflicted

Give It Over (v. 12)

 

The more we try to hold onto what belongs to him, the less inclined he will be to hold on to us.

For as long as the people are holding onto what belongs to God, they will not be able to stand before their enemies.

Israel needs the power of God in order to stand before its enemies

You cannot benefit from the power of God without the presence of God

God presents Israel with an ultimatum, proving to us that absolutes do exist

 

Application: We must ask ourselves: Am I holding on to what really belongs to God? 

Get Ready (v. 13-15)

 

The battle of Ai is passed, they have lost, but the Lord is going to give the people an opportunity to avoid repeating the past 

Preparation is the key to victory, and it is not about more mental or physical exercise, it must come through spiritual exercise (consecration) 

Consecration involves separation and dedication.

Consecration requires you to separate yourself from what separates you from God

But consecration also requires you not just to give your stuff away, it requires you to give yourself away.

Repent or be ruined - Joshua 7:15

 

Application: God has given his people an opportunity to repent and be redeemed. Repentance leads to redemption