How should believers respond when facing overwhelming challenges, like Joshua in this chapter? Facing Overwhelming Odds: Lessons from Joshua 11 The Setting That Feels All-Too Familiar Joshua 11:1 reports a genuine historical moment: “Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph,”. • Dozens of northern Canaanite kings unite. • Their forces are “as numerous as the sand on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots” (v. 4). • Israel’s army—mostly on foot—seems hopelessly outmatched. Believers today often stand at similar crossroads: debt piling up, health failing, cultural pressures mounting. Joshua’s experience provides a pattern for meeting those moments. Start by Hearing God’s Voice Joshua receives fresh instruction before he ever lifts a sword: “The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for at this time tomorrow I will give them all into Israel’s hand, slain…’” (v. 6). • God’s Word precedes God’s works. • Fear quiets when promises grow loud. Other anchors: – Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God goes with you.” – Romans 10:17 — “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Obey Promptly and Completely “Joshua came upon them suddenly, all the people of war with him, by the waters of Merom, and attacked them” (v. 7). • No committee meetings, no stalling. • Action flows directly from assurance. “Thus Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots” (v. 9). • Selective obedience is disobedience. • God’s strategy often removes future temptation to trust in human strength (horses, chariots). Rely on God’s Power, Not Numbers “The LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel” (v. 8). Notice what the text does not say: Israel won because of superior tactics or weaponry. Compare: – 1 Samuel 17:47 — “The battle is the LORD’s.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15 — “The battle is not yours but God’s.” Stay at It Until the Task Is Finished “Joshua waged war a long time with all those kings” (v. 18). • Some challenges resolve in a day; others require patient perseverance. • Believers hold both trust and tenacity together. Galatians 6:9 reminds: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” Remember Past Victories to Fuel Present Faith Joshua 11 concludes: “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses…” (v. 23). • Every completed promise becomes evidence for the next crisis. • Psalm 77:11 — “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Practical Takeaways for Today’s Believer • Run first to Scripture; let God’s voice cut through the noise. • Respond quickly; hesitation breeds doubt. • Act in full obedience, even when commands seem counterintuitive. • Measure challenges by God’s power, not by visible resources. • Persevere; some victories unfold over extended seasons. • Keep a record of God’s faithfulness to confront future fears. Additional Passages That Echo Joshua 11’s Pattern • Psalm 27:1–3 — Confidence in the face of encircling armies. • Isaiah 41:10 — God’s sustaining right hand. • Ephesians 6:10–13 — Standing strong in the Lord’s mighty power. • Romans 8:37 — “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” |
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