How can we trust God when facing overwhelming opposition like Joshua did? Setting the scene: Five kings against one leader “Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon…” (Joshua 10:3) • Joshua is only days removed from the victories at Jericho and Ai. • Instead of one enemy, he now faces a five–city coalition. • Humanly speaking, Israel should be crushed. The odds underscore the glory of what God will do next. Why overwhelming battles come • God’s victories in our past invite new challenges; Satan resists growing faith (1 Peter 5:8). • God lets impossible scenarios display His power (John 11:40). • The Lord matures His people through conflict, not comfort (James 1:2-4). God speaks before Joshua swings a sword “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.’” (Joshua 10:8) Notice: • Promise precedes performance. • The verb is past tense—“have delivered”—certainty before the first step. • The same pattern appears elsewhere: Judges 7:9, 2 Chronicles 20:15, Romans 8:31. How to trust God when the opposition looks huge 1. Remember previous faithfulness • Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6) and Ai’s turnaround (Joshua 8) prove God’s track record. • List your own “Jordan crossings”—times He acted unmistakably. 2. Receive and rehearse His Word • Joshua heard God’s voice; we read it: Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 41:10. • Speak the promise aloud; let Scripture drown the noise of fear. 3. Move quickly in obedience • “So Joshua advanced on them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal.” (Joshua 10:9) • Delayed obedience gives fear time to grow. 4. Expect God to act supernaturally • “The Lord hurled down large hailstones… more died from the hail than by the swords of the Israelites.” (Joshua 10:11) • Ephesians 3:20—He still outperforms human effort. 5. Ask big, pray bold • “Sun, stand still over Gibeon…” (Joshua 10:12-13). • God honored the audacious request; He invites the same confidence today (John 14:13-14). 6. Follow through until the victory is complete • Joshua traps the kings, then returns to finish the campaign (Joshua 10:16-26). • Trust is proven by perseverance (Hebrews 10:36). Signs that trust is active, not theoretical • Peace replaces panic (Philippians 4:6-7). • Decisions line up with God’s revealed will, not convenience (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Worship erupts before the outcome is visible (Acts 16:25). After the battle: cement the lesson • Joshua wrote nothing new, but God recorded the story for us (Romans 15:4). • Share testimonies; they arm others for their own “five-king days.” • Maintain memorials—journals, family storytelling, church gatherings—so future crises meet fresh faith. Key takeaways in a glance • Find the promise before you face the problem. • Step out quickly; hesitation feeds intimidation. • God’s methods may be miraculous, but His faithfulness is always predictable. • Complete obedience today secures courage for tomorrow. |
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