Persistence: Experiencing Jericho

Monday, January 11, 2021

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:13 NLT

Thoughts for Today
It takes tremendous courage to persevere in the face of overwhelming problems. And faith in God is the only thing that makes that kind of courage possible. Joshua, a godly hero in the Old Testament, persevered by holding on, standing firm, keeping his course, and being patient. His persistence was based on his faith in God's promises.
The city of Jericho blocked the entrance to the Promised Land for the children of Israel. This land belonged to God's chosen people. He had promised it was theirs. However, there was an obstacle: the daunting fortified city of Jericho.
Joshua turned to God for guidance. What did God tell him to do? March around Jericho for seven days, then shout and blow horns! This may have seemed strange to Joshua, but it was God's plan. God's wisdom versus human wisdom.
Joshua chose God's plan ... and the Israelites won the victory.

Consider this …
Every Christian has to deal with a personal Jericho from time to time. Sometimes these obstacles seem impossible to overcome from a human perspective. But with God ... all things are possible.
Are you facing an obstacle? It could be anything. Debt. Health. Relationship. A habit or addiction. The list of possibilities is endless, but the answer is always the same: Jesus.
In today's scripture, God says not to be afraid. He is here to help you.
Turn to God. Turn to his Word. Place your faith in him. He will give you the strength to persist. As you trust in him and him alone, be persistent as you wait for the walls of your Jericho to fall. In his way. In his time.

Prayer
Father, I feel overwhelmed by this problem in my life. Thank you for reminding me that you are with me. Help me stop focusing on the problem and turn my focus to Jesus. To your Word. Help me overcome fear by trusting you. In Jesus' name ...

These thoughts were drawn from … Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11 by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

 

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