I believe God is drawing many of us right now, to worship in an attitude of humility before Him. And to listen for what He is saying.
For first comes humility, and then comes power.
The Apostle James explained it this way: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10, NLT)
God’s Unusual Command to Joshua
Recently, I read the story of how Joshua met the “Commander of the Lord’s army” before the battle at Jericho.
And it struck me that God’s first instruction to Joshua was not to do with the preparations for taking the city!
Instead, the first command God gave to Joshua, was to take off his shoes.
Why? Because he was standing on holy ground—Joshua was in the presence of Almighty God.
We read about it in Joshua chapter 5:
And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”
And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”
Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Josh 5:13-15, NKJV)
Humility, Honor, and Respect
When you are barefoot, you are physically vulnerable.
And you can’t walk in rough, stony terrain without shoes—let alone march around a city and fight an enemy army!
Yet, this is the first act God requires of Joshua.
Because removing his shoes before God, was an act of humility that honored God’s holy presence.
Just as in the days of Joshua, great exploits are up ahead of us.
And we stand on the threshold of the promises of God, with an opportunity to pause and acknowledge God in His holiness.
“I am Giving You New Shoes”
This reminds me of a prophetic word I received years ago, at the close of a church service.
At the time, I was weary.
And so, my husband and I were standing in a prayer line, where the one praying gave me a simple message:
“God says, ‘I am re-soling your feet. I am giving you new shoes.”
Earlier that morning, as I was about to leave home, I made a hasty decision.
I suddenly remembered that two weeks prior, I had purchased some new sandals. So, I grabbed at the shoe box and pulled out all the tissue paper—sending it flying everywhere.
Now here I was, standing in my brand-new shoes, hearing these words.
And I began to cry.
Humility and Surrender
That prophetic sign heralded a new season for us. And it began with a moment of humility and surrender before God.
We know the time and the place He met with us!
Today, I believe there are some reading this who also need to hear this word:
“God says, ‘I am re-soling your feet. I am giving you new shoes.”
The Sign of Your Victory
Right now, God is drawing His people aside, into an encounter with Him such as Joshua had—a place of new commissioning!
Perhaps, you have felt weary or vulnerable recently. Or it seems as though past supports have been removed, and you realize the old, familiar ways do not work for you anymore.
- This is your place of worship, and just as it was for Joshua, so it is for you
For the sign of your victory is not a circumstance.
The sign of your victory is a person—Jesus, who is with you and has promised never to leave you.
A New Generation
Joshua’s encounter with God had something in common with that of his former leader, Moses, some forty years earlier.
A bush was on fire, but it was not being consumed!
Then as Moses approached, God spoke to him from the bush, saying,
“Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5)
Just as in Joshua’s time, a new era is here. It’s a new generation, with new leadership.
And God shows up—not in a burning bush but in person—with the same command. Now, it echoes down the generations: “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.”
Humility is Preparing You
When Joshua put on his shoes again after that encounter with God—he was ready to go!
He was stepping into victory.
So, if this resonates with you today, be assured that the time of your tipping point is here. See Jesus with you, going before you, for humility is preparing you for a coming season of power.
And you will stride forth in the simple confidence that you are under Divine command—walking in the footsteps of God.
Leave a Comment
Can you relate to this snapshot from the story of Joshua? It feels very present for us right now! I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment or your prayer requests in the comments box below.
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Spiritual Warfare Course: Angels are sent to protect and refresh You!
Recently, this insight from the course stood out to me—
- Angels not only protect us during spiritual warfare
- God also sends them to us to minister refreshing after the spiritual attack
In Matt 4, we read, “Jesus said to the devil, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’” (Matt 4:11)
Similarly, in 1 Kings 19, after Elijah went on the run from Jezebel, an angel came and ministered to him, providing supernatural, nourishing food and restful sleep.
A Worship and Faith-Based Course
So, “Yes! it is worth pressing against that warfare that has come against you!”
And if you’d like a worship and faith-based approach to spiritual warfare—one that is focused more on God’s supremacy than on the demonic realm—this course is for you!
I welcome you to join me in: “Spiritual Warfare: How to Identify and Overcome Spiritual Attack”. It includes around 30 mini-lectures on video and is full of Biblical wisdom and strategies. And yes, it also has the complete transcript of the course in PDF format.
I’ve set up a special price of $19.95 USD (it’s usually $29.95) until mid-March, and you can find out more here.
Alternatively, you can view all online courses, including the Prophetic School here.
© 2023 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog
Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation
Praise King Jesus Helen,
Thank you Lord for this prophetic word. God give me new shoes.
I can testify that all past supports have been removed and the old, familiar ways do not work for me anymore.
God I receive humility and surrender before your throne of Grace and Mercy. Amen
God bless you and increase you Woman of God.
Tracy E. A.
Amen, Tracy, grace, and power for the journey. Angelic protection all the way! God is with you, and for you
Hello Helen,
This prophetic message is for me.
For the past month or so, I have felt off my element. I and my family moved to a new location and left our former place of worship.
The place we currently worship at is a branch of our church but I find the doctrinal teachings there quite off and this saps my energy. I’m really frustrated but I can’t go to another church because of my position within the church. I am an overseer in my previous location and currently a national treasurer.
I’m not my former self. I feel like God has left me and I have been asking Him whether He’s still with me.
Once again, thank you for this message.
Pray for me that in this trying season I don’t miss God’s voice.
Sincerely,
Moses.
I’m praying with you now, Moses, and for the restoration of your joy and life flow in the Spirit
Praise God yes i feel like your talking to me ive been going through so much i recently had a dream about new shoes so i receive that thank you
A powerful word in season. I resonate with this prophetic word and believe God is re-soling me. Last week a friend of mine blessed me with three pairs of brand new shoes. I certainly have lost past supports and have been at the bottom rung of humility and vulnerability. But so glad that in the throes of life, God is with me on Holy ground…he has clothed me with his presence.
Thank you Lord for humility before power.
God bless you Mighty Woman of God and may God continue to use you tremendously
I love that Kimberly, yes and amen!
Wow! This really blessed me. May it be unto me. Thank you for sharing!
Glory to glory, Shannan! His smile is over you
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” (Num 6:24-26)
This is a great message for me. For about two months I have been feeling as if something new coming from God. Like something that is renewing my calling.
Thank you so much Helen. You’re a great vessel.
God bless.
This is really a great and inspiring message. I will still wait for the Lord with all humility.
Amen
I covet your prayers that God would restore our relationship with our only child Ruel Andrew. We have not spoken with him in years. Also I have some battles on my job.Trusting God for a transfer
I’m praying for you now and your family, Edwina. Thank You Lord for a move of restoration, In Jesus’ Name
This word resonates with me. I have lost my job last year. I now have to give up my flat and have nowhere to go. I’m sitting in the waiting room unprepared for what’s to come. The Master is quiet. He has shown me miracles for others whom I have prayed for in this time but remains quiet when it comes to my situation. I believe that He is re-soling my feet.
Thank you for your obedience in sharing this timely message. God bless you.
About 2 months ago, a prophet told me to buy new shoes, wash my feet and put them on. I didn’t understand why. But now I have some more clarity. Thank you.
Wow – A prophetic sign, Johanne!
Thank you Sharon
Thank-you so much for sharing Helen. Truly a timely word – definitely feeling vulnerable on the cusp of a new season, and needing a fresh filling of His divine power.
God has already been speaking to me about feet and humility through John 13:1-17. May I be a true servant like Jesus, humble, gentle and willing, no matter how vulnerable and inadequate I feel. His will be done.
May God continue to bless you and use you for His glory to fulfil His plans and purposes. For such a time as this!
Yes, amen to that and for such a time as this Caz!
I’ve also had John 13 for a couple of weeks now