Ever Afterনমুনা

Don’t Stop On 6 One of the biggest mistakes you could make after experiencing God in a powerful way is to assume that life is going to be gucci from now on. Encountering God doesn’t guarantee a “happily ever after” — He never promised us a life free from heartache and struggle. Just because you saw God perform a miracle doesn’t mean you won’t have a messy situation in your future. However, He does promise to be with us in every storm and valley. In fact, God’s Word tells us that when we’re heartbroken, He actually comes closer to us. God’s people miraculously crossed the Jordan River, set up memorial stones to remember His faithfulness, and then they were immediately faced with the ultimate battle. They stood on the outskirts of Jericho, the first city in their path to the Promised Land. Jericho was surrounded by walls up to 25 feet high and 20 feet thick, and it was considered invincible. Wouldn’t it have been nice if their first battle was a “baby battle”? Couldn’t God have led them to a city with a weak army and without walls — an easy win to help them get some confidence? But God didn’t want them to have an easy win because He didn’t want their confidence rooted in anything other than Him. If they won this battle, they would know it was because of God’s presence and power. Maybe that’s where you are right now. You’re facing a battle that you know is too big for you. You’re wondering why God didn’t let you test the waters of your faith with something more doable first. You’re not sure how you’ll make it through your parents’ divorce or fight the feelings of self-harm that seem so strong. Maybe you already feel like you’ve lost the battle. Maybe the addiction seems too strong or the break-up seems too devastating. Listen to what God told Joshua in Joshua 6:2. The Lord said to Joshua, “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its fighting men over to you.” Did you catch that? God spoke this word over Joshua before Joshua and His men ever went into the battle. God said he handed Jericho to Joshua. Past tense. The battle was already won. And the same is true for you. Whatever you’re standing up against right now is already won in the name of Jesus. Sure, you may still have to fight, but that’s why God tells you to be courageous! You’re going to have to face giants and battles, but you’re not fighting for victory — you’re fighting from victory! Just remember, you’ve got to adopt God’s battle plan if you want to win. You can’t win God’s battle your way. That’s why yesterday we talked about the importance of making a habit out of obeying and reading God’s Word. God told the Israelites to march around the walls of Jericho one time for six days and to stay silent. Weird. Then, on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times while people blew trumpets. Even weirder. But it worked! On the seventh day, the walls fell down! God may call you to do some strange things, but trust that His plans work. When God’s battle plan is unlike any other, we can know that God alone is responsible for our win. Don’t be surprised when the battle comes. And don’t be surprised when God puts it on your heart to do the unexpected. And whatever you do, definitely don’t stop on 6.