Whatever It Takes

Read: Joshua 10:1-15

The sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Joshua 10:13

IN WORD

The ill-advised treaty with Gibeon soon pressed Israel into an unexpected battle. In fear, a neighboring king attacked Gibeon, and as new allies, Joshua and his forces had to step in. But as is often the case with God and His people, the setback turned into an opportunity to advance. With the force of a catapult, what had previously pulled Israel back from its destiny then launched them further into it. God rose to their aid, defeated an enemy, and further established their position in the land.

God could have said, “You made a treaty without asking me, and now you’ll need to suffer the consequences.” Or He could have said, “I’ll help you scratch your way out of trouble if I must.” But He came through at an astonishing level of intervention, answering the bold, public prayer of Joshua that the sun would shine until the enemy had been defeated. He showed Himself willing to move heaven and earth—or hold them still—in order to defend His people.

We long for such answers to prayer. Sometimes God answers quickly and dramatically, but we may have more experience with delays and subtleties. Even so, we know what He can do, and therefore we trust Him with whatever He decides to do. There are no limits to His power; therefore, all other answers are driven by His wisdom and love. When the time and situation are right, He steps in with everything we need and does whatever it takes to give us victories.

IN DEED

Knowing who God is and what He is capable of doing, we can fight Kingdom battles and go on Kingdom adventures in full confidence that He is available in times of need. Even when we have made missteps, as Joshua did with the Gibeonite treaty, we can trust that He has not left us. As long as we are not in willful rebellion against Him, He fights on our behalf. Our progress in His Kingdom is backed by the King Himself.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 18:6-17

What is impossible to God? Not that which is difficult to His power, but that which is contrary to His nature.

AMBROSE OF MILAN