After 40 years of wandering around in the wilderness, the children of Israel were ready to cross over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Joshua lead the people across the Jordan River up to a city called Jericho.

Jericho, with its mammoth walls, stood before them. This was their first battle. It was quite a lop-sided fight. Here was a bunch of inexperienced Israelites headed into battle against a strong fortress and experienced warriors.

As Joshua was seeking God on how to fight this battle, an angel of the Lord appeared before him. He gave Joshua specific instructions on how to fight. He explained that the people should walk around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, they should walk around the huge, walled city seven times. Afterwards, they should blow the trumpets and shout. The wall will fall and Jericho will be given into their hands.

So, they walked around the city just as Joshua had commanded them. He also told them to be quiet. They couldn't say a word while marching around the city. Then, on the seventh day after the seventh trip around, the trumpets were sounded and the people shouted.

"When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city" (Joshua 6:20).

Many times, I feel like those inexperienced Israelites. No confidence. No strength. No victories under my belt. It's just too big, too tall for me to fight against.

Next time that fortress of fear stands before you, call out to God. Ask him how bring down those walls. Trust that he will show you how.

  Maybe it's a shout of praise.
     Maybe it's a song in your heart.
         Maybe it's a call to be still and quiet.
 

Whatever God tells you to do, do it. And the walls of fear and doubt, the walls of depression and discouragement, the walls that are keeping you from living a full life, will come crumbling down in the name of Jesus.

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Season of Peace
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© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission