Healing Before Ministry
Os Hillman

And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. - Joshua 5:8

Before the nation of Israel could go into the Promised Land they had to be circumcised. Circumcision is painful, bloody, and personal. God requires each of us to be circumcised in heart before we are allowed to enter and receive the blessings that await each believer in the Promised Land.

This circumcision can often be very painful. Circumcision requires losing our old way of life. The process of spiritual circumcision may mean a loss in areas that have been a part of our lives in order to draw us to the Savior. God understands this. Consequently, like the people of Israel, we must wait until we are healed before we begin to be effective in our calling. If we launch out too early, we will be ineffective and may risk infection and disease and will not be at our full capacity. God wants each of us to walk in His healing grace.

The people of Israel fought only two battles when they were coming out of Egypt. In the Promised Land they fought 39 battles. Each of us must be prepared to enjoy the benefits of living in the Promised Land. However, we must also be prepared to wage war against the enemy of our souls. Make sure the Lord has provided the needed healing to your circumcision experience before you enter the Promised Land.

I have been studying Joshua. This part of Joshua's journey comes at Gilgal. The word "Gilgal" means "to roll" or circle. The Hebrew people coming out of slavery in Egypt circled the the desert for 40 years. Before they crossed over into the promised land, there were a few days of preparation, then they crossed as the Jordan stopped flowing.

It was then they camped and Joshua was instructed to circumsise the men.

Joshua 5:9 says, "The LORD then said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the disgrace of Egypt from you.' Therefore, that place has been called Gilgal to this day."

This spiritual circumcision that requires a loss of a way of life, this is what I have been experiencing. First God asked me to move on from my position with AtHome America. Then He asked me to leave my Church. Then He asked me to leave a place online that I have been for many, many years and have made so many of my close friends.

It took me awhile to understand what He was asking. And when I did understand I was still hesitant to obey. I have finally obeyed in all of the areas mentioned above. In fact, I JUST left the online community. Then I see this devotional in my email. Coincidence? LOL--No way!

I'm sure the healing is happening as I type this. I'm not sure how long that will take, the verse states "until they were healed."