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July 6, 2017 |
“This is a catalog of the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated … 31 kings in all.” Joshua 12:7a, 24b (VOICE)
I didn’t really want to keep watching, but for some reason I couldn’t stop.
A real-life tightrope walker dared to cross a gorge near the Grand Canyon on live television. I didn’t know this man, but my fear for him and his potential plummet to the bottom of the canyon was real. With each step I prayed, Please God, let him make it across!
The wind blew so hard at times he’d stop and squat on the rope to lower himself beneath the gusts. He would pause and pray, then stand and continue across.
Yet possibly the craziest part was this wasn’t his first attempt at something so risky.
If I ever crossed a canyon, or a waterfall, or something else really high on a tight-rope and I survived, let me assure you — that would be the first and only time you’d see me do such a thing.
Stepping out of our comfort zones can be scary. But to do it more than once takes true faith. That’s the kind of faith the Israelites had. We see this especially as they conquered the Promised Land.
In our key verse, we read “This is a catalog of the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated …” (Joshua 12:7a). The chapter ends with “… 31 kings in all.” Tucked between these verses, we find the names of kings in the land of Canaan who fought, but couldn’t defeat, Joshua and God’s people as they entered the land God promised them.
After the walls of Jericho fell, the army marched, God moved in power and the Israelite army conquered 30 more kings.
And I wonder, with each new foe: Did they worry about the outcome? Did they question if God would show up this time like He did that day at Jericho?
Too often, I march into daily battles, wondering if this will be the time God doesn’t show up, rather than charging full speed ahead, knowing Whom I’m following and counting fully on Him.
Like the time I sat behind the wheel of my van with a long drive ahead. I’d made this drive many times; however, this time, I faced the road as the sole adult in the car with all six of my kids.
Enter fear, panic, doubt, maybe even a few tears.
But before I fell completely over the edge, God interrupted. He reminded me of prayer and my direct access to Him at all times. He pointed me to the many times He’d provided and counseled me to count on Him again.
So instead of wondering if God would show up, I threw all my concerns on His shoulders. Dear God, help us go the whole way without one stop. Help no one have to use the bathroom. Help the kids not fight. Help the traffic keep moving. Help me not get tired. Help no one get hungry.
I’ve heard confidence defined as “demonstrated ability.” And I think we can apply this definition to our spiritual lives.
I don’t know how Joshua and his army approached each battle following the victory at Jericho, but I know how they should have — confidently. God had demonstrated His ability at Jericho (and many other times, too).
This same confidence is available to us through Jesus. When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, God is not only with us, He is also in us. And since God is able, and God is with us, we can count on Him.
As the man on the tightrope crouched beneath the winds, one thing changed everything. Across the canyon, his father spoke into a microphone linked to an earpiece that fed directly into his son’s soul.
The son walked, as the father talked.
The father encouraged, supported and guided. Another step. He cheered, comforted and listened. Another step.
No matter how hard the wind blew, the son knew his father saw him, and he heard his father say, “You can do this.”
And just like that father and son, God walked me down my road, guiding me and my car full of kids safely from one place to another.
Is it time for you to step out on the tightrope of trust?
Dear God, without You I can do nothing, but with You all things are possible. Increase my faith! Help me rely fully on You today as I count on Your unending love, unbridled power and unchanging character. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (ESV)
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (ESV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Have you ever doubted you're doing this “parenting tightrope” right? Or felt pressure to do “everything right" as a parent? You’ll appreciate Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp. Get this great book for yourself or a friend, here in our parenting collection.
CONNECT:
Stop by Katy McCown’s blog today for more encouragement and simple ways to help you move forward with God in confidence.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Write down one way God has demonstrated His faithfulness and character in your life.
Use what you wrote to finish this sentence: Since God {use your answer above}, I can move forward with Him today. Display this sentence where you’ll see it often as a reminder of God’s power in your life.
© 2017 by Katy McCown. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Thursday, 06 July 2017.
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