Fredrick spoke from Joshua 6:1-5 last night. Jericho was a strong, fortified city which seemed impregnable, but Joshua had God’s promise (‘Go and I will give you victory‘) to sustain him. The people of Israel were just like us in that they murmured, doubted, and frequently did not believe what God said, despite having seen many evidences of His power in their lives. They had many problems just as we do, but with every problem comes a promise from God. We can be glad when we face problems (James 1:1-5), because we know that we have a partner in the problems.
In maths, we often need a formula to help us solve a problem. Obedience is the formula God has promised will work in every situation. God builds us up through problems, for we learn to depend on His strength and not on our own. Ps 105:37 reminds us of God’s provision for the Israelites during the wilderness years; thousands (Num 1:46) were fed on manna for years, and yet their strength was not diminished. When we feed on God, we find both healing and provision in Him.
We need to do what we can do for God. Joshua had to move forward in faith, even though the command of God (to march and shout) seemed a ridiculous way of knocking down thick walls! God wants to be at our side, leading us into victory. (1 Cor 15:57-58) When we give of ourselves (our time, talents and money), we are investing in God’s kingdom and He is no man’s debtor. As with any seed, what is produced from the one seed far exceeds the original appearance, and so it can be with our lives as God awakes the kingdom seed in us. (‘Build Your Kingdom Here’, Rend Collective.) We participate in the many great and precious promises of God and can move forward in faith.