God’s Presence and Power

Most of us face obstacles in our lives – grief, illness, negative emotions, lack of faith – and the list goes on.  What are the obstacles in your life?  Or, reflecting on the Book of Joshua, what are the Jerichos in your life?  Is it a struggle with doubt?  Is it a struggle with an unforgiving spirit?  Is it resentment and bitterness toward someone who has betrayed your trust?  Is it a struggle with an addiction to alcohol or drugs – or food or gambling or pornography?  Is it a struggle relationally with a spouse or child?

In Joshua 6, the people of Israel were given the task of entering the Land of Canaan, taking it, and settling it.  This was the time when all of God’s promises about the “Promised Land” would come true.  The land flowing with milk and honey would finally be their homeland.  But there were obstacles.  There were already inhabitants living in the land who did not want to move.  The Canaanites had armies and huge walled cities such as Jericho, which had to be defeated before the people of Israel could be safe and settled.  What were they to do with these obstacles?”

We can try to conquer those Jerichos in our own strength . . . or we can let God conquer our Jerichos for us.  Is God being allowed to wage the battles in your life or are you trying to do it in your own power?  The story of Jericho reminds us that God gives us victory when we don’t rely on our own power or plans but we simply trust and obey God.  This is where the halls of faith in Hebrews 11 make so much sense.  As we read in Hebrews 11:30, it is “by faith” that the walls of Jericho fell down.

One of the great promises of the Bible is that God’s presence is with us.  We read in Joshua 1:5, “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”  God’s presence is unseen, but it is more real than life itself.  And, God offers us victory.  So, whatever obstacle is in your way, God is saying to you, you can prevail when you trust God and his power to overcome the obstacles in your life!  Let go of those areas in your life where you are trying to maintain control – and, like Joshua and the Israelites, give thanks for God’s power and victory!