Strong and Courageous: A Study in JoshuaSampel

What does it say? 

Joshua and the Israelites came to the aid of Gibeon when five area cities joined forces against them. Joshua called on God for help, and He responded miraculously.

What does it mean?

God encouraged Joshua and promised victory over the five cities that joined forces against Gibeon. God caused confusion among the opposing armies, sent hailstones against the enemy soldiers, and responded to Joshua’s request for the sun and moon to stand still, giving them more daylight to finish the task. Although Israel was outnumbered, they fought hard, trusting God to intervene on their behalf.  Joshua moved forward in unswerving faith, believing God and depending on Him for victory. He knew that God could do anything to make it happen – and He did.

How do I respond?

How often do you think, “I can’t ask God to do that for me”? You may not need the sun to stop in the sky, but the same omnipotent God can still intervene on your behalf. What impossible situation are you facing? Is your faith as big as your God? Boldly ask Him for what you need, and expect God to intervene on His timetable and in the way He deems best. Keep praying, placing your faith in the character of God rather than the outcome you desire. God can do anything when His followers display unswerving faith.

For further reading: Joshua 10:16-12:24, Defeat of Canaanite tribes