Key scripture- “This is a catalog of the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated … 31 kings in all.” (Joshua 12:7a, 24b)

Stepping out of our comfort zones can be scary. But to do it over and over takes true faith. That’s the kind of faith the Israelites had as they were conquering the Promised Land.

In our Key scripture, 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 that God had promised them.

After they had such a great victory at Jericho, which is the place where God had them conquer the city of Jericho by marching around the city once for six days with seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark, and on the seventh day they had to march around the city seven times, and when the priests blew the trumpets, the people gave a great shout and the city wall fell down (Joshua 6:2-5), the Israelite army went on to conquer 30 more kings. I wonder with each new enemy: 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, do you find yourself marching into daily battles, wondering if this will be the time God doesn’t show up, rather than charging full speed ahead, and remembering how powerful God is, and counting fully on Him and His faithfulness to show up and show out just like He has always done before.

When fear, panic, and doubt start to overwhelm me and I am about to fall over the edge, The Holy Spirit interrupts me, and He reminds me that through prayer that I have direct access to God at all times. He also reminds me of the many times God has provided and counseled me in the past, and that I can always rely on and count on God again and again and again.

I don’t know how Joshua and his army approached each battle following the victory at Jericho, but I know how they should have – with complete confidence – because God had demonstrated His ability at Jericho and many other times after that.

That 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 faithful, and God is able, and God is always with us, you can count on Him just like Joshua and the Israelites did.
As you face your battles today, I want you to remember that God is there with you, taking you each step of the way, showing you the way to go, and leading and guiding you. Instead of wondering if God will show up, He is already there, so go ahead and throw all your concerns on His shoulders, as He takes your hand in His, and you start walking in faith.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, without You I can do nothing, but with You all things are possible. I want You to increase my faith! Help me to rely fully on You today as I count on Your unending love, unbridled power and unchanging character. You have commanded me, to be strong and courageous, and not be frightened or dismayed, for You, the Lord, who is my God, is with me wherever I go. (Joshua 1:9). So when fear tries to stop me, consume me, and derail me, help me to remember all the times that You have come through in the past and that You will come through again and again and again, because You are Faithful and You do not lie or change Your mind. Help me to remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). I will take all of the crazy fears that come my way today and give each and every one of them to You, and let You show me what it looks like to take steps of faith and to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.