Strength & CourageSample

7 Days of Courage 

Jericho was Israel’s first battle after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. After decades of waiting and walking, the Israelites were finally ready for action. But God’s battle strategy was probably not what they had in mind.  

In their glorious conquering debut, God had them walk in circles. In silence. 

For six days, Israel’s fighting men walked with the ark of the covenant around the walls of Jericho. The priests blew their trumpets, but everyone else was instructed to not make a noise. Finally, on the last day, they circled the walls seven times and when the priests blew their trumpets, Joshua commanded the army to shout, for the Lord was giving them the city. Shouts of victory rang in the air and the walls of Jericho bowed to an Almighty God.  

Not all of Israel’s battles would require so little of them. There were many conflicts ahead that would need all of their strength, stamina, and courage. But Jericho required a different kind of commitment. Israel needed the courage to trust that God was strong enough. They needed to believe that their silent obedience to God was more powerful than any of their own might. They needed to know that God was going to fight for them. 

Live it Out 

1. Do you believe that God is strong enough for whatever you’re facing? How can you rest in His strength rather than trying to solve everything yourself? 
2. It would have been easy for the Israelites to be too eager and jump in to action when God said to wait, or too passive by sitting back and expecting God to do everything when it was time for them to act. It's only in knowing God’s voice and obeying Him that you can navigate that line. How can you cultivate that relationship with Him? 
3. In this story, who do you most identify with — the people of Jericho, the priests, the Israelite army, or Joshua? Why do you think that is?