Overcome Your Environment and Win (Joshua 3:1–7) 10/26/2025

Overcome Your Environment and Win (Joshua 3:1–7)                   10/26/2025

 

The conquest to open the Canaan Age has begun. And that conquest came through war. But it was not the kind fought by unbelievers or the wicked. For those who are saved, the real battle is spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).

Satan does not fight unbelievers, because they already belong to him (John 8:44, John 14:30). Even if he leaves them alone, they will continue to serve him (1 Corinthians 10:20) and ultimately share in his judgment (Ephesians 2:2–3, Matthew 25:41). The real issue is with believers and the Church. The ruler of this world hates those who have been saved (John 15:19). Because they were taken from his domain (Colossians 1:13–14). Scripture says Satan prepares to attack God’s people and the Church (Revelation 12:17). When he finds an opportunity, he will attack ruthlessly (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:25–27).

But here lies the important key. Satan is afraid of believers. Just like during the Canaan conquest. Christ crushed the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15), and that same authority of Christ is within us (Luke 10:19). Even more important conclusion is that when we resist him with faith, he will flee (James 4:7), and as much as Satan attacks, God will turn it into unimaginable blessings (Job 42:10). Everything (pain, tear, and momentary failure) becomes part of God’s masterpiece. And with that evidence, we are called to heal and save those suffering more deeply than ourselves, ultimately becoming witnesses who bring life to all 237 nations (Luke 22:31–32, 1 Timothy 1:15).

 

1. Satan’s first method of deceiving and attacking us is our environment.

This is the easiest way for him to deceive and attack us, and one of the deadliest traps for believers.

1) There are at least three kinds of environments.

① Natural environment. Before the Israelites even fought a battle, they were blocked by the Jordan River. Before any war against enemies, they had to win this one first. If it were today, they might have built a bridge to cross. Behavioral philosophers in modern education claim that if you create a good environment and give rewards, you’ll get the best results. But is that true? Adam fell even in the best environment of all.

② Psychological environment. The same physical situation can feel completely different depending on one’s psychological state. A person who once suffered in the mountains may feel deep anxiety just by seeing them. Psychologists say this must be treated, often through confrontation therapy.

③ Social environment. Family conflict can cause lifelong scars and result in lifelong influence (dysfunctional homes, dysfunctional schools). Negative rumors, negative information (age of overwhelming news, distorted news, fake news) can cause fear and stress, leading to poor judgment and wrong actions (just like the ten spies).

2) If we fail to overcome these environments, what would be the result? We end up oppressed by our environment, not able to do anything. We resort to running away, hiding, and missing out on the blessings meant for us.

① That’s why God led Israel to cross the Jordan river. He could have taken them around it, but He wanted to heal their hidden wounds and show how He works in impossible circumstances.

 

2. The mystery by which the Israelites overcame their environment of Jordan river and had victory is in the passage.

Are you facing a difficult, hopeless situation where no one can help you? You must discover the answer.

1) Joshua and the people spent three days of deep time (deep meditation). Joshua rose early (v.1), and after three days, he finally spoke (v.2). What kind of time was this?
① First, confirm the covenant in whatever you do. This is why we worship and hold onto the Word before any important event or decision. It is to confirm God’s promise and receive His guidance. As we do important works, and begin our days, if we do not have the Word of God, it will be fatal (Amos 3:7, 8:11).

② Second, make a 1:1 concentration time, a covenantal contract with God. This is why Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves (v.5).

③ What was the accurate covenant  that God gave at that time? Joshua probably was nervous, taking after Moses. “Today I will exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses” (v.7).
2) They were told to go forward with the Ark of the Covenant before them (v.3–4). Before us is an environment that makes us fear, fall into unbelief, and give up, but see how God, who promised Canaan conquest, works.
① The Canaan Age was already promised to Abraham. It is the same blessing we now inherit (Galatians 3:14, 29). God had promised, “Every place you set your foot will be yours” (Joshua 1:3).

② The Ark symbolized faith in the God who gives and fulfills His covenant.
What were the three things inside the Ark of the Covenant? The Ten Commandments, the Budding Staff, and manna. These were all blessings fulfilled by Christ. The Ten Commandments if the blessing that completed and ended all curses of the law (Matthew 5:17, John 19:30). The Budding Staff is the authority of Christ that God gives to his servants and believers (1Peter 2:9). It is the blessing of saving all lives. Christ who ended all curses and gave us the authority of the Priesthood will save al lives through us.

③ Why did God tell them to carry the Ark ahead? Because He Himself would go before them—to lead, to help, and to open the way. That is the reason God sent the Holy Spirit (the helper). This is what He does for us at the throne (Isaiah 62:6–7). Every day, every moment, follow His guidance, depend on His help in every circumstance, and experience Him opening doors. Make this become your life. Our weak and lacking lives will become evidence and masterpieces.
3) When the priests’ feet touched the river, the water will split (v.8). This is the role of the servants of the Lord, and it also represents the life of all believers who challenge themselves before their environments.

① They prayed for 3 days, and the water overflowed (v.15). But when the priests’ feet touched the river, the water stopped. This is the act of faith and challenge in faith.

② The evidence thus revealed was the power of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6–7). This is why acts and challenges of faith are important. Faith must go beyond knowledge and words and must move into action (James 2:16).
Conclusion – God has given us the covenant of world evangelization. He takes responsibility for our present and opens our future. May you be a believer who confirms His covenant, keeps your eyes fixed on the God who goes before you, and rises to overcome your environment through acts of faith and obedience.

10.26.25 Overcome Your Environment and Win

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