The Walls of Jericho

Joshua 6

We all know the story of Joshua and the trumpets around the city walls of Jericho.

Read the chapter. The details of this complicated instructions for the battle seem to be a bit absurd at times. Why the trumpets? Why 7 times?

My Bible (NIV) notes say that it may have been because God was making it undeniably clear that the battle would depend upon him, and not upon Israel's weapons and expertise. That is why priest carried the ark, not soldiers. Or it may have been God's method of taking the city accentuated the terror already felt in Jericho (2:9). Or maybe the strange military maneuver was a test of the Israelites faith and their willingness to follow God completely.

Regardless of the reasons. Joshua was such a great leader. He followed what God told him to until the bitter end.

I am reminded of goals when I hear this story. How easy it is to quit in the middle when it gets to tough.

Like training for a race or staying on a diet. Or maybe giving up something that is bad for you....smoking, drinking, drugs, cursing, driving to fast, eating ice cream. you know what I mean.

It gets really tough at some point. Sometimes so tough it hardly seems worth the effort and it seems so easy to quit rather than suffer through. You know. Just hang it up. Who will notice? This is just my thing! Right?

Well when you give up those things with a promise to God, guess who you let down? God! Joshua wasn't going to let God down. So he followed through until the bitter end. He could have given up. Everyone would have agreed it was a crazy idea. But how would Joshua have handled his relationship with God if he gave up?

When we follow through until the bitter end the results are well beyond what we imagine. When we quit? Well.....we just have to start all over again!

So, don't quit! Persevere! God will give you strength.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Have an awesome week.

In Him.........

Laurie