Strength In Times of Adversity
Week 2: Leap with Courage
Vs. 5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
Vs. 9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites
Vs. 25 Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening. -- Joshua 10:5; 9-11; 25-26
After Joshua had taken the city Ai, news of his victories and movements reached the ears of Adoni-Zedek, the King of Jerusalem at that time, and because he was afraid, he gathered the nearby Amorites and planned an attack at Gibeon. News of this reached Joshua, and he responded quickly. It says he and his army marched all-night to come to the aid of Gibeon. What do you think was fueling the hearts of these men? Or their leader Joshua? It is very clear that Joshua was full of courage in God. Joshua had complete confidence in God's will and plan. Even after five kings had joined forces, Joshua's faith and courage were unaffected. He challenged these kings with the strength of God, and God was with him.
It is not always easy to be this strong, to have strength in a time of adversity. However, have you ever been certain about what God's will was or certain about what God was calling you to do? It could be as simple as talking to a complete stranger, having a difficult conversation, or removing something or someone out of your life that is pulling you away from God. Joshua had been told by God to be strong and courageous and he did so accordingly.
Your call to leap:
Read Joshua 10. Pray that God would make it certain in your heart, what He is calling you to do currently in your life and our Capital Campaign. Pray that you would take courage in His will. Then, write a list of things you feel God is calling you to do currently, including your part in the Capital Campaign. Spend time praying about each item, praying that you would have Courage in Gods will.
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