God, You want me to do what?

 

It is so easy to rely on what I see, to walk by sight. Most people do. They read a story in social media and believe it, passing it on to others. The news on television shows the aftermath of a storm and because that one scene is devastated, we so easily assume that the entire city is in shambles.

Some children know that “everybody is going” will gain them permission to go too, so we easily rely on hearing too, things like rumors and gossip, stories told by others, a verbal news report, even the claims made by politicians and many posts in social media. Try to imagine what went through the mind of Joshua when God told him what to do with Jericho.

The Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land. Forty years they wandered in the wilderness. That unbelieving generation had perished and Joshua was given the task of leading a new generation into the land God promised them. The first obstacle was Jericho—a well-fortified city that was near the mouth of the Jordan River.

In those days, some city walls were wide enough at the top to allow two chariots to run side by side. Jericho’s walls could have been like that because of its location near enemy borders. This city also had a well-trained army. For the people of God, overpowering this city was an impossible challenge. They were fewer in number and untrained in warfare.

Imagine how they felt when God asked them to march around that fortified city once a day for six days, then on the seventh day, march again with the priests blowing their horns and at their final blast, the people shouting. This seemed ridiculous, not only to them but to us who read the story.

However, as the NT says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” (Hebrews 11:30) From this story, the devotional writer affirms that faith is the key to spiritual conquest. What seems impossible, what looks and sounds impossible for us, is easy for God. In this event, He reveals His power and His people demonstrated their faith and humility.

I can imagine a bit of how they felt. At times, I’ve expressed faith in a particular thing and received looks of “really?” with raised eyebrows, or a look of pity for ‘this poor fool’ as if I am out of my mind to think God is going to do what I trust Him to do.

The Hebrew people were called upon to do something so odd, far from any typical military strategy. Yet the story reports what happened on the seventh day, after marching around the city seven times, with the priests blowing their rams’ horns, the priests gave one final blast, the people all shouted out loud, and the walls of the city collapsed. Faith reduced a formidable obstacle to a crumbled ruin and . . .

As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword. (Joshua 6:20–21)

I remember a time when God gave me ‘odd’ directions. Our son was being bullied at school. He was popular with the girls but the two other boys in his class were angry and threatened him. God told me what to do and I instructed him to “invite them to come and fight at our home, in the garage, with boxing gloves.” He replied, “But mom . . .” and I added that we were to offer them milk and cookies before going to the garage. He smiled in understanding. Those two boys soon became his friends.

Since then, confidence in the power and love of God keeps growing. Formidable walls come down. Satan’s strategies turn into victories for God’s glory as He teaches me to trust Him, no matter what others say, no matter what life looks like, no matter how thick the barriers. God is enough.

PRAY: Jesus, right now I’ve some responsibilities in front of me that are not enemies but still make me feel inadequate and unable to overcome. I need to remember Joshua and listen to what You say, not be intimidated by what I see on that to-do list. Your advice to him is also for me:

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

PONDER: Think about the power of God and the reality that He never lets me down. He gives me great challenges at times, but also wants me to know that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)