Courageous Choices Part 3Sample

OBEYING GOD IS HARD, BUT WORTH IT

The summary of the Israelites capturing Jericho is very brief. It seems even anti-climactic. All of that buildup, all of that story, all of that effort, and it seems that the walls fall, and the city is captured kind of easily. And maybe that’s on purpose. The emphasis of the entire story is on Joshua and the Israelites’ obedience to instructions rather than on the military action itself. Some scholars have tried to argue that God could have used an earthquake or some man-made or natural event. But the text doesn’t give us any information about how exactly this happened. All it tells us is that the Israelites obeyed patiently, they obeyed carefully, and they obeyed with compassion toward Rahab and her family. And then the walls fell. This gives all of the credit to God and God alone. Once the Israelites obeyed God and He gave them victory their faith must have been lit up! Just like when He parted the Red Sea and stopped the flow of the Jordan River. God continuously showed His people that He was trustworthy, that He was powerful, and that He was present with them. When Israel was faithful to obey God’s words, God was faithful to His promises.

Ask Yourself:

-How has God “come through” in the past for you?

-How is your faith strengthened by seeing God’s hand in your life and others’ lives?

Pause to Pray: Lord, don’t let me forget your blessings! Don’t let me forget your love and faithfulness. Your power and might. You are worthy of my praise and my obedience. Open my eyes to see You, your truth, and your plans for me…

Take a Next Step:

-What is one small step of obedience you can take today? Do it! The more we obey in the little things, the more habitual it will become; this will help us to grow our faith and obey in the more challenging things.