Have you ever struggled with something – maybe a new computer program, maybe a construction project, maybe a relationship? Every day can be like that if we are making our own plans without consulting with the Father.
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25 KJV
Our thinking or reasoning isn’t always the best. Take Joshua for instance.
Jericho was a walled, well fortified city, many people lived there and the city was guarded. And I’m sure Joshua was developing a battle plan when the Lord spoke to him.
“Meanwhile, the people of Jericho had been locking the gates in their town wall because they were afraid of the Israelites. No one could go out or come in.
2-3 The Lord said to Joshua:
With my help, you and your army will defeat the king of Jericho and his army, and you will capture the town. Here is how to do it: March slowly around Jericho once a day for six days. 4 Take along the sacred chest and have seven priests walk in front of it, carrying trumpets.
But on the seventh day, march slowly around the town seven times while the priests blow their trumpets. 5 Then the priests will blast on their trumpets, and everyone else will shout. The wall will fall down, and your soldiers can go straight in from every side.” Joshua 6:1-5 CEV
Seriously, you take a city by marching and blowing trumpets?! No, you take a city by being obedient to what the Lord has said!
“The priests blew their trumpets again, and the soldiers shouted as loud as they could. The walls of Jericho fell flat. Then the soldiers rushed up the hill, went straight into the town, and captured it.” Joshua 6:20 CEV
What if Joshua had gotten discouraged at the end of day six and quit? What if he had abandoned the Lord’s plan and consulted with the heads of the twelve tribes? He knew that wouldn’t be right.
Remember when Joshua and Caleb had been sent out by Moses with ten other leaders to spy out the land of Israel. The ten came back with a report of fear and defeat, Joshua and Caleb’s report was one of victory. The people believed the ten and wandered in the wilderness for years. Now, here they are, finally going in to take the land the Lord had promised them years before.
Consulting with those who don’t have a godly perspective is dangerous. Following God’s plan is always right.
What is the Lord saying to you about your “Jericho”? You’ve been trying to figure this battle out on your own but now it’s time to listen to the One who has the right strategy. When you do, you’ll be victorious!