Day 11

Joshua therefore said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord.” They replied, “We are witnesses!” Joshua 24:22

Joshua was a warrior and Moses’s trusted advisor. It was Joshua who led the Israelites into the Promised Land after they had been wandering for 40 years! Many Israelites doubted that they would actually make it to the Promised Land. They were worn down from their long time in the desert, and they had made many bad choices along the way, like worshiping fake gods! When Moses died and they still hadn’t reached the Promised Land, he placed the leadership of the Israelites into the hands of Joshua—He was the right man for the job! Joshua was strong, filled with love for God, and blessed by the Holy Spirit with the gift of wisdom. He knew God would stay faithful to His promise and he knew God's timing was perfect—even when we must wait for a long time. 

As a brave warrior, Joshua led the Battle of Jericho. God instructed Joshua, his men, and priests to circle the city walls for 7 days. Priests were instructed to blow their trumpets, also known as Shofars, which are large ram horns. After following God's instructions, the city walls of Jericho fell on the 7th day and Joshua's troops were able to take the city! Joshua was thankful for God's mighty help — and for His providence in sending him his brave, new friend, Rahab! 

It’s hard to understand why God’s will sometimes involves us waiting for a good thing to happen. Joshua's people waited 40 years to enter the Promised Land, and Joshua waited 7 days while obediently circling the city of Jericho to begin battle. Joshua’s story reminds us that we must stay hopeful during the wait because God is always moving us closer to His heart! Sometimes, it is the "wait," like wandering in the hot, dusty desert, that makes us THIRSTY for God's Living Water. Imagine how Joshua felt as he finally led the Israelites into the Promised Land after such a long, challenging journey! Or, how his heart must have exclaimed with joy when the walls of Jericho fell after 7 days. 

Have you ever waited a long time for something important? Can you think of ways God worked within the "wait" to help you grow in holiness? We must always remember that God's timing is perfect, even when we don't completely understand.