Joshua and the Israelites listened to the delegation’s story and completed their inspection: “The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Years before, God instructed the Israelites not to make any treaties with foreigners because He knew that outside influences would woo the Israelites away from following God (Exodus 34:11-12). The answer to this request should have been denied, but it wasn’t. When Joshua questions the group, they tell him that they’ve been traveling a long time to make a treaty with the Israelites (Joshua 9:9-13). The Israelites’ leader, Joshua, inspects the delegation he sees the patched sandals, cracked wineskins, and the moldy bread they are carrying. In Joshua 9, a group of worn-out foreign travelers arrive and request a meeting with the Israelite leaders. There are some important insights that we can learn from an incident in Joshua 9 followed by three questions that challenge you to determine whether you need to re-evaluate your fix-it or rescuing tendencies in someone else’s life. When we wear someone else’s worry, it can wear us out! So, how do we get out of God’s way? Do we trust that God is aware and active in the lives of loved ones who make irresponsible or reckless choices?
If you can relate to Leah, you know that this is a difficult place to be. Leah struggled with what I call “secondhand worry.” This happens when we suffer the effects of worry because we’re trying to carry the load that someone should be responsible and accountable for managing themselves. Leah spent large sums of money, time, and tears trying to help her kids, but their reckless life choices kept her up at night stressed out and scared for their future. One Sunday afternoon, my friend, whom I’ll call Leah, called in tears over her adult children. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5 NIV)
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