What can we learn about faith from Joshua's command in Joshua 10:12? Setting the Scene “On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: ‘O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.’ ” (Joshua 10:12) Why Joshua’s Words Matter • A military crisis: five Amorite kings had joined forces against Gibeon, Joshua’s ally (10:5). • A long march: Israel had marched all night (10:9). • A time‐limited victory: daylight was running out, yet complete victory required more time. • Joshua’s solution: speak directly to God, then command the sun and moon to halt. A Bold Request Rooted in Relationship • Confidence in God’s promise (Joshua 1:3–5): Joshua remembered the LORD’s assurance of victory. • Alignment with God’s will (Joshua 10:8): “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand.” • Public faith: Joshua spoke “in the presence of Israel,” strengthening the nation’s trust. • Expectation of literal intervention: Joshua addressed the created order, believing the Creator could suspend natural processes. What This Teaches Us About Faith • Faith takes God at His word. – Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” • Faith acts before it sees. – Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” • Faith speaks in agreement with God’s revealed will. – 1 John 5:14: “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” • Faith is not intimidated by obstacles. – Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” • Faith invites God’s extraordinary power. – Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” Living It Out Today • Anchor your requests in God’s promises; read, memorize, and pray them. • Step forward in obedience even when resources or time feel insufficient. • Speak faith‐filled words that align with Scripture, remembering Proverbs 18:21’s reminder that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” • Trust God with the impossible—He remains “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Key Takeaway Joshua’s command models a faith that believes God’s Word, prays boldly, and expects tangible, real‐world answers—encouraging believers to trust the Lord for victories that surpass human limitations. |
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