What does "though they have iron chariots" teach about overcoming obstacles with faith? Verse in Focus “ ‘but the hill country shall be yours. It is a forest—clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; for you will drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.’ ” (Joshua 17:18) Setting the Scene • The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh felt their allotted land was too small. • Joshua pointed them to the forested highlands—undeveloped, intimidating, but theirs by God’s promise. • Their hesitation centered on one phrase: “iron chariots.” These were the ancient equivalent of tanks—cutting-edge, fear-inducing technology. • Joshua’s reply: clear the land, trust the Lord, and victory will come “though they have iron chariots.” Identifying the Obstacle • Physical reality: Canaanite armies with superior weapons. • Emotional reality: Israel’s fear and sense of inadequacy. • Spiritual reality: a test of whether they would see the situation through the lens of God’s power or human limitation. What “iron chariots” Look Like Today • Financial shortfalls that seem insurmountable. • A medical diagnosis that defies treatment. • Cultural pressures that mock biblical convictions. • Personal weaknesses or past failures that whisper, “You can’t.” Lessons About Faith Overcoming Obstacles • God’s promise outweighs visible power. – Joshua directs focus to God’s guarantee, not human strength (cf. Numbers 23:19). • Obedience precedes victory. – “Clear it”—take the first step even before the enemy retreats (James 2:17). • Faith confronts, not avoids, intimidating odds. – Israel’s path ran straight toward chariots, not around them (Joshua 6:1-5). • Strength is measured by Who fights for you. – “The LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you” (Deuteronomy 20:4). • God often leaves obstacles in place to grow perseverance and dependence (Romans 5:3-5). Supporting Scriptures • Judges 4:13-15—Sisera’s 900 iron chariots are routed when God sends torrential rain. • 1 Samuel 17:45—David faces Goliath “in the name of the LORD of Hosts.” • Romans 8:37—“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” • Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 1 John 5:4—“This is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” Practical Steps to Live Out This Truth 1. Name your “iron chariot.” Acknowledging the obstacle clarifies where faith must operate. 2. Rehearse God’s promises aloud (Joshua 1:8); they recalibrate perspective. 3. Take the next obedient action, however small—clear a tree, write a resume, reconcile a relationship. 4. Surround yourself with voices of faith; avoid counsel that magnifies the chariots (Proverbs 13:20). 5. Celebrate incremental progress. Each cleared acre is evidence of God’s ongoing help. The Takeaway Obstacles never nullify God’s promises. He calls His people to move forward—axe in hand, heart anchored in His word—confident that “though they have iron chariots,” He remains greater. |
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