Posted on November 14, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
“Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.” Joshua 6:1
Word spread slowly (by today’s standards) but it did spread. The people of Jericho heard of the works of God on behalf of the Israelites. The city of Jericho was tightly secured in fear of the Israelites who were camped nearby.
Two men went into Jericho to spy out the land and went to Rahab’s home. She confirmed that the people knew of God’s works. “I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Joshua 2:8-11 (underline added)
Canaanite kings were fearful as they heard of the Lord’s miracles. God went before Israel and struck fear in the hearts of their enemies weakening their resolve.
“So it was, when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the west side of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel.” Joshua 5:1 (underline added)
As word spread of God’s mighty works for His people, so spread fear of the Israelites. “Now it came to pass when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it—as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king—and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, that they feared greatly…” Joshua 10:1-2 (underline added)
The people of Canaan did not SEE the works of Almighty God but they HEARD of His works for the Israelite people. Even in the hearing, fear struck their hearts and no spirit, no courage was left in them.
Apply that personally. In our fight to claim our God-given inheritance we have a very real enemy or should I say enemies… “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
Would it be that these very real enemies would shrink back at the hearing of God’s mighty works on behalf of His people, past and present? Would we not be empowered ourselves by being reminded of God’s power and provision on our behalf? Imagine the impact of rehearsing God’s work for Israel and the many ways He has blessed your life?
Our enemies would not seem so powerful and threatening when we remember how powerful and mighty our God is. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
How often do you rehearse God’s mighty works? Speak them to yourself, regularly. Speak them in the face of the enemy.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “The oil of the lamp in the temple burnt away in giving light; so should we.” –Robert Murray M’Cheyne
The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 7-9; Hebrews 10:24-39 You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
