As long as we depend on God’s courage and strength, we need not be defeated. “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalms 27:11, 13-14).
Joshua had come to understand God in a way that produced a calm confidence. He had discovered that God’s resources were available to him. He was convinced of the dependability of Jehovah God.
From his victory over Ai, Joshua was drawn into a battle against an alliance of five mountain kings who had heard of the utter devastation of Ai. They reasoned that their only hope against the invasion of the Israeli army was to join their forces together, but they were powerless to stand against Israel.
Joshua did not hesitate in the face of his greatest challenge. To the surprise of his opponents, he marched through the night with the assurance of God’s promise: “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you” (Joshua 10:8).
The challengers, suffering a great defeat, turned and began to flee. But God’s Word had declared total victory for Israel. Therefore, God rose up to fight for them. He sent a great storm and hailstones to destroy the enemies.
The inspiration of this divine intervention brought Joshua into a new dimension of faith in God. Joshua spoke directly to the sun and moon to stand still in the heavens. This additional daylight gave Israel the time they needed to gain a resounding victory over their enemy. Notice God responded to the word of a man, and the sun and moon stood still.
Joshua was in complete cooperation and partnership with Jehovah God. Because of that relationship, God moved to stop the rotation of the earth and yet continue the normal forces of gravity and pressure. It was a day unparalleled in human history.
The kings fled to a cave to hide themselves, but Joshua ordered it sealed with huge stones and had men set on guard lest the kings escape. Once the conquered cities were secured, Joshua returned to the cave. He brought the kings out to face the commanders of the Israeli armies, who put their feet on the necks of the kings. This symbolized Israel’s total victory. It also brought into clear focus God’s covenant with His nation, that they would possess every place upon which the soles of their feet would tread.
With this huge military triumph came a great sense of power and influence with God. But, rather than standing back in contentment, Joshua continued to press on to victory upon victory. City after city would be consumed by this powerful and irresistible force. Before Joshua rested, 31 kings and kingdoms would fall. Israel had an assurance of faith in their God that could not be quenched. They would make known the presence and power of Jehovah God to every intruder in God’s land.
We can experience victory upon victory like Joshua when we depend on God’s strength instead of relying on our own wisdom and talent. With God on our side we can triumph over every enemy. Our faith is in the power of our God not in our own ability.
