How to deal with failure? Do you feel you are consistently failing? Are you failing at whatever you are trying to accomplish in life?

We can learn a few things from Joshua after his loss at Ai. (Joshua 7,8).

10 things we can learn from Joshua's loss at Ai

1. Seek God before your next step. Examine your current state. Joshua immediately went to capture Ai, soon as he won over Jericho. He sent spies to check the land, took their advice and went ahead for battle. He had no clue about a great error that had crept into his camp. (Joshua 7:2)

2. Be hopeful in Christ, despite the failure. The hearts of Israel melted because of the loss. They began to doubt the promise of God. (Joshua 7:5)

3. Repent. Experiencing the loss, Joshua repented in the presence of God. He wasn’t expecting a loss at all because the enemy was few. God answered him and helped him with a solution. Repentance draws God’s presence so we receive from God. (Joshua 7:6)

4. Root out the problem. Joshua found out Achan’s villainy. He investigated the matter in all reverence to God, calling out his own people one at a time. Examine your life according to Gods word.

5. Sanctify and cleanse yourself. Joshua did as God said. He separated Achan and family, and everything he owned. They were stoned and their possessions completely destroyed. Separate from the world and the things of this world. Keep yourself pure.

Doing what needs to be done to receive victory

6. Prepare your heart in faith to redo the battle. God comforted Joshua before his second attempt. Receive the faith to move ahead in Christ. (Joshua 8:1)

7. Joshua followed God’s instruction to the T. Walk in obedience to God’s word. (Joshua 8)

8. Joshua held the spear till God’s word was fulfilled. Stay committed to what God has promised till you receive it. (Joshua 8:26)

9. Joshua offered thanks to God, as he built and altar for peace offerings. He strengthened his relationship with God through gratitude and praise.

10. The word of God was read out to all. Love the word of God; meditate on it day and night. Base your life in God’s word alone.