How can we trust God's guidance when facing overwhelming challenges like Joshua did? The Scene at Hazor: Overwhelming Odds Joshua 11 paints Israel encircled by a massive northern coalition “as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (v. 4). Verse 8 recounts the stunning outcome: “The LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them and pursued them…”. What looks impossible through human eyes becomes certain when God guides. God’s Promise Precedes the Battle • Joshua 11:6 – “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel.” • Every step Joshua took was anchored in that clear word. God spoke; Joshua believed; victory followed. • The pattern echoes Exodus 14:13-14, Deuteronomy 7:2, and Romans 8:31. The Lord pledges the outcome before the first sword is drawn. Joshua’s Response: Obedience without Hesitation • Immediate action (11:7): “So Joshua and all his people of war came upon them suddenly.” • Complete follow-through (11:9): “Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him.” • No partial compliance, no delay—just wholehearted trust expressed in decisive obedience. Principles for Our Own Battles 1. Hear God’s specific word – Primarily through Scripture (Psalm 119:105). 2. Believe His character is flawless – “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). 3. Step forward in obedience – “Trust in the LORD…He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 4. Expect God’s power to match His promise – “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Anchoring Trust in God’s Past Faithfulness • Joshua could recall the Red Sea, Jericho, and Ai. • We recall the cross, the empty tomb, and countless personal deliverances. • “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:5). Walking in Step with the Word Checklist for trusting guidance when challenges loom: – Daily intake of Scripture to clarify God’s will. – Prayerful listening for conviction and direction. – Wise counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). – Regular remembrance of testimonies, journaling answered prayers. – Refusal to entertain fear; instead, rehearse promises like Isaiah 41:10. Resting in the Greater Joshua • Jesus—the true Yeshua—conquered sin and death. • Hebrews 4:8-9 links Joshua’s victories to the eternal rest Christ secures. • “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • Therefore, every believer can declare with confidence: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). When the challenge feels overwhelming, recall Joshua 11:8. The Lord still delivers, guides, and triumphs for those who trust His unfailing word. |
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