As discussed in the previous post, Joshua got into a bit of a bind when he made a pact with his neighbors (people of Gibeon) before consulting the Lord. Despite having been deceived, he was bound to honor the oath they made in the name of God.

So what, if any, good could come out of a situation when the people of Israel are now forced to live with the consequences of their mistake? Let’s check the scriptures and find out: So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose. And that is what they are to this day. – Joshua 9:26-27 (NIV)

As we see from this story, although Joshua and his people were forced to honor an agreement they made in haste (without seeking the Lord’s guidance) they were at least able to take some good from it — they now had servants for the assembly and people to attend to the needs of the altar of the Lord. So, while not an ideal situation, there were still ways for the consequences to glorify the Lord.

When facing the consequences of our actions, turning to God in prayer and repentance always provides solutions that glorify Him and, therefore, work to our good in so doing.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NIV)