How can we trust God's timing when facing obstacles, as seen in Joshua 6:5? Setting the Scene at Jericho - Israel stands before Jericho’s towering walls after forty years in the wilderness. - Human strategy would suggest battering rams or scaling equipment, yet the Lord prescribes silent marches and a trumpet blast. - The account underscores that victory hinges not on Israel’s strength but on God’s appointed moment. Joshua 6:5—A Snapshot of Divine Timing “‘When a long blast is sounded on the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will charge straight into the city.’” (BSB) Why Timing Matters - God’s timing reveals His sovereignty; Israel could not bring the walls down a moment sooner or later than He ordained. - Waiting sharpened their dependence. Six days of silent obedience built spiritual muscle that swords never could. - The collapse at precisely the seventh-day shout authenticated God’s word as literal and reliable. Lessons for Facing Our Own Obstacles • Trust His Word Over Appearances – “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). – Jericho looked immovable, yet a single divine breath brought it down. • Embrace God’s Process – The daily marches seemed repetitive, but each step was essential to God’s plan. – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). • Wait With Expectation, Not Passivity – Israel marched with trumpets ready, anticipating the climactic blast. – “Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24). • Obedience Precedes Outcome – The shout came only after God’s explicit cue. – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Remember Past Faithfulness – The same God who parted the Jordan (Joshua 3) now leveled Jericho. Past victories fuel present confidence. Practical Steps to Wait Well - Rehearse His Promises: Write out verses like Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:28 and read them aloud. - Keep Walking: Maintain daily disciplines—prayer, Scripture, fellowship—as Israel kept circling the city. - Guard Your Speech: Their silence for six days avoided doubt-filled chatter; choose words that align with faith. - Celebrate Small Advances: Every completed lap was a step closer; acknowledge incremental progress God grants. - Fix Your Eyes on the Finish: The seventh-day shout came; likewise, God’s appointed hour for your breakthrough is set. What Happens When We Obey in His Time - Obstacles Collapse: Walls yield to the authority of the One who spoke the universe into existence. - God Is Glorified: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD (Zechariah 4:6). - Our Faith Deepens: Each fulfilled promise fortifies us for the next challenge. - Others Are Drawn to Him: Rahab’s rescue and the eventual fame of Israel point outsiders to the living God. Trusting God’s timing is not passive resignation; it is active confidence that the Lord who commanded the Jericho march still orchestrates perfect moments for His people today. |
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