And I can clearly imagine Joshua, after hearing from God and thinking about all His strange instructions regarding the Jericho wall. "Why don't you just knock them down today Lord? Why do we have to walk around in circles and blow trumpets and carry the ark around? It's pretty heavy! And these people are gonna be staring at us over this walk laughing at us!"
In case you don't know the story, Joshua and the Israelites had reached the Jericho wall. Evidently it was one strong wall! No army had ever penetrated it with any of their might or weapons. But Jericho was part of the land that had been promised to God's people. Instead of just giving them the land immediately, God instructed them to do a specific set of things that included marching around the city for seven days, blowing trumpets, and then shouting. (Curious? Read all about it in the book of Joshua!)
It just didn't make sense. Certainly God could have knocked down the walls at any time. But what He wanted from them was simple obedience. And when they obeyed, God did something that was so miraculous it blew their sandals off!!!
Faith and obedience go hand in hand. If we are going to have faith to believe that God is going to do what He said He would, then we have to do our part. "If you love Me, you will keep My commands....."
Very often it doesn't make sense. You look at the numbers and know you don't have enough money to pay the bills. Then you hear God's voice telling you to give your money to someone else. Your first reaction is "But Lord! Why?" Then you rationalize. "If I do that I won't be able to pay my bills!"
But then you do what He asks, and miraculously you have the money to pay all your bills.
God is always at work in our lives. Teaching is, growing us, challenging us in our faith. What He requires of us is really very simple. And no, it often makes no sense. But the outcome is always amazing!
What have you asked God for today? What has He promised you? Are you willing to do what He asks? And blow your trumpet all ready?
Leave a comment and let me know what God has done for you!!!
