Right now, there are many hopefuls out there. Football season is soon approaching and every fan has high hopes for their team. As for me and my house, Go Lions! Go Michigan Wolverines! We believe our teams will make it to the championship game at the end of the season, or we hope they do.
Can we parallel this with faith in God?
Today I read about Jericho in the Bible, and it got me thinking. God led the Israelites away from slavery from the enemy called Egypt. He had to take them on a long detour due to their disobedient hearts. They were rebellious. They had to come to a deep understanding that God is faithful. “Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these 40 years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Moses, who led them the first 40 years had passed on, and now Joshua stepped up to lead them into the Promised Land; all under the authority of God. Joshua’s first mission, Jericho. God’s reputation for success had spread throughout the land. So much so that Jericho was sealed shut. They feared the Israelites! God’s people were rather victorious in their conquering of land.
What did they do when they came upon a situation that was impeding their walk with God? They looked to God. They had a track record already of God’s provision and safety, think of the Red Sea and the Jordan River; read Joshua 4. Now, it was time to take down Jericho. They will need to believe before receiving. They will need to act in faith that God will come through.
God gave rather clear instructions to Joshua. He told the Israelites God’s plan and they obeyed. You can read about this story of great faith in Joshua 6. They had to start out quiet, no talking. Just march around the town one time per day for 6 days. What do you think they thought of when they went back to their homes each day? I would think their minds would have questioned God, doubted God, for doesn’t this seem useless? But they remained obedient.
What has God instructed you to do that in your own mind seemed crazy, useless, weird? Did you obey or did you go off on your own and handle the situation your way? Did you stop talking to God and ignore His Word?
On day seven, the instructions were to march around Jericho 7 times. They had to remain quiet until the 7th time around. Joshua then commanded, “Shout, for the Lord has given you this town!”17 Their trust was going to pay off. The Israelites chose to trust God and let Him lead the way. Jericho’s walls collapsed and they were able to conquer the city.
While God may not ask you to conquer a city, He will ask you to believe before receiving. Will you believe God? Will you accept His will for your life? Will you trust Him fully? Will you keep Jesus sitting on the throne in your heart no matter what? Will you keep your mindset focused on Him?
Will you be obedient?
Each of us needs to come to a deep understanding of who God is. Every little thing that you go through, whether good or bad, has been orchestrated by God. Every. Little. Thing. He uses it all to bring about His plan of redemption through love, grace, and mercy.
Each of us needs to look to God. You are called to act in faith so God can reveal to you and to the watching world who He is. When He shines, many will come to their salvation through Christ.
Each of us are to let God have His way. Let Him lead through you.
The Israelites had to face hard things so their faith could develop and turn into a surrendered trust to the One who loved them. His plan was carried out in the Old Testament which led to the New Testament with Jesus, the Redeemer and Lord. Today, God’s plan continues to be carried out. Will you be a part of it or not? Will you believe beyond your human reasoning and trust God, and not yourself?
Believing is receiving with God. Your team (God’s team) will be victorious when you follow His Son and walk in obedience.
Carol J German 