“I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.” Joshua 1:9 NET
Have you ever worked so hard to put something together and just before you got ready to bring the finished product to fruition, the bottom began to fall out! You can literally look to the Lord in disbelief and wonder how could this be? In the Book of Joshua chapter 7 verses 1-26. Joshua found himself in a similar situation, where the account of their defeat against Ai left him in a profound sense of distress, panic and almost disbelief.
Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, had experienced triumphant victories in the conquest of Jericho, but was faced with very different results during the battle at Ai. The Israelites, were confident after their previous success and sent only a small force to conquer Ai, assuming it would be an easy task. However, to their astonishment, the smaller Ai forces overcame them, leading to a resounding defeat.
Upon learning of the unexpected failure, in a panic Joshua tore his clothes, in deep anguish and distress! He had led his people through the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, now he has found himself grappling with the shock of defeat. The panic among the Israelites was palpable as they realized that their winning shrink had just been shattered! A feeling, I myself had just experienced. Like Joshua in response to my crisis, I looked to the Lord for His divine guidance.
As Joshua fell prostrate before the Ark of the Covenant, pouring out his concerns and seeking answers from the Lord. The divine response that followed included instructions for identifying and addressing the sin that had tainted the Israelite’s camp. Their disobedience compromised their spiritual purity and as a result, God withdrew His favor during the battle at Ai. The discovery of Achan’s sin and the subsequent removal of the devoted items from the camp helped pave the way for the restoration of divine favor and the eventual victory over Ai. This episode underscores the importance of our obedience and how it affects our purity when we walk in disobedience to the Lord.
As I meditated on God’s response to Joshua and the Israelites, I began to pray for insight as well. “Lord, shine your light on what is hidden” and sure enough sin was likewise in the camp. I was able to see more clearer the areas that demanded change. Painfully, God revealed persons in my circle that needed to be removed, in order to successfully fulfill my destiny. In prayerful obedience I began to move what needed to be moved and changed what needed to be changed. Thankfully, God in His great mercy brought restoration through my obedience.
Like the defeat at Ai, this serves as a pivotal moment for me as well, highlighting the complex interplay of faith, human error, and divine intervention. It also demonstrates Joshua’s resilience in the face of adversity and the significance of seeking guidance in times of crisis. Before we panic we must remember, God in His great mercy always has a plan to restore. Through obedience and restoration He ultimately allowed the Israelites to regain their strength, rectify their mistakes, and eventually achieve victory over Ai, underscoring the redemptive nature of their journey and the great Mercy of our God! Hallelujah!
Heavenly Father,
Just as you told Joshua, “Don’t be afraid and don’t panic!” (Joshua 8:1) Help us to see that through our obedience you will always cause us to succeed when we follow your divine leading. For you alone Lord are our refuge, our place of safety, our God whom we trust.” (Psalm 91:2).
In Jesus name,
Amen