When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed. (Josh. 2:11)
We were favored to win the playoffs. Our team had a star quarterback who had led us through an undefeated season. The opposing team was also undefeated and had a much better defense than us, but with our quarterback we were still expected to win. And then the unthinkable happened. Our quarterback was injured in a car accident and unable to play in the game. The news of his injury spread like a wildfire. The morale of the team was lost. The air of overconfidence that once filled the school was no more as the reality of a potential loss set in.
Joshua and the spies were destined to conquer Jericho. The Lord God—the star player or cornerstone of the battle—was on their side and the opposing team knew this truth. Rahab was clear; the people of Jericho did not expect to win the battle. It was no secret Israel’s God was known for delivering their enemies into their hands and Jericho was next. Thus, the people of Jericho were afraid and had little confidence in their own abilities.
When we place trust in our own abilities, then our circumstances will determine our confidence. However, when we recognize God is on our side, then there is no battle we cannot overcome. Just as he was for the Israelites, God is our Conqueror and Defender today.
Relinquish fear and place your confidence in God to win the battle.
Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
