What strategies can we learn from Joshua 11:5 for spiritual warfare today? Seeing the Battle Before It Starts Joshua 11:5: “All these kings joined forces; they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.” • The northern Canaanite kings spotted God’s people advancing and pre-emptively massed their armies. • Spiritual battles still begin with unseen councils of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). • Staying alert to “early warning signs”―temptations, discouragement, division―lets us pray and act before the pressure mounts (1 Peter 5:8). Understanding the Enemy’s Playbook • Coalition building: multiple kings pooled strength. Likewise, sin, flesh, and the devil often converge (James 1:14-15; 1 John 2:16). • Strategic positioning: they chose the “waters of Merom,” a broad plain suited for chariots. Our adversary picks terrain where he thinks we are weak (Luke 4:13). • Intimidation through numbers: the combined army looked unbeatable, but God judges victory by His power, not headcount (2 Kings 6:16). God’s Counter-Strategy: Confidence Over Fear Verse 6 immediately follows with God’s assurance, “Do not be afraid of them”. • Fear blinds faith. Replace it with specific promises (Psalm 27:1). • Confidence comes from knowing the Commander: “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). • Speak truth aloud; Jesus answered Satan with Scripture (Matthew 4:4-10). Forming Holy Alliances • Israel fought as one nation under Joshua. Unity in Christ is a force multiplier (Philippians 1:27). • Guard fellowship; unforgiveness fractures the line (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Pray with others; shared intercession roots out isolation (Matthew 18:19-20). Taking the High Ground of Obedience • Joshua waited for God’s command before striking (v. 6). • Obedience positions us where grace flows; disobedience exposes flanks (John 15:10). • Daily disciplines—Word, prayer, worship—are spiritual drills that keep weapons ready (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Moving Decisively When God Says “Go” • Israel did not negotiate; they advanced at God’s word (Joshua 11:7). • Hesitation invites counterattacks. When conviction comes, act promptly—confess the sin, share the gospel, shut down the toxic input (James 4:7). Neutralizing the Enemy’s Assets • Later in the chapter, Israel hamstrung horses and burned chariots (v. 6, 9). • Identify and dismantle tools the enemy uses against you—unfiltered media, unhealthy relationships, lingering bitterness. • Don’t store forbidden “chariots” for future use; destroy them completely (Romans 13:14). Resting in the Final Outcome • The coalition’s massive force collapsed under God’s hand. • Christ has already secured ultimate victory at the cross (Colossians 2:15). • We fight from victory, not for it, standing firm until every skirmish echoes that finished work (Ephesians 6:13). |
    |