Sun-stopping Faith

23. June 2007 Joshua 0

Text: Joshua 10:1-15 Theme: God’s power to save is revealed through man’s privilege to pray Key verses: “Then the five kings of the Amorites…joined forces. They…took positions against Gibeon and attacked it.” (v. 5) “So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army…The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.'” (v. 7-8) “The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in great victory at Gibeon.” (v. 10) “As they fled…the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky…” (v. 11) “…Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon…The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!” (v. 12-14) What God said to me: Dwayne, my son, I am always ready and wanting to fight for you. I so desire for you to simply acknowledge your dependance on me for everything you are and need. Joshua didn’t fail to seek my face after the debacle at Ai. Joshua had learned his lesson the extremely difficult way, through crushing defeat and tragedy. Now see his resolve and faith in prayer: He clearly makes time to come to me and inquire of me. And I honored his searching request. When he saw some who might escape, Joshua remembered my promise to him that not one would withstand or survive. That simple but profound statement from me was his impedance to call even upon the sun and moon to coorperate. Why not? They are my creations too. They are under my command to do what is needed to accomplish my purposes. Joshua understood this. And Joshua trusted me emphatically and thoroughly. Remember my words through Paul, “Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, what the Lord has in store for those who love him.” Dwayne, if you can dream it for my glory I can fulfill it for your faith. And things your mind can never dream up I will do for and through you as well. But never forget, Joshua first of all humbled himself and sought me – that’s your key to success. What I said to God: Thank You, my Lord and God, for teaching me through Your Word this morning. Thank You for the privilege and power and provision of prayer. Forgive me for the many times I fail to first pray before I rush headlong into situations of which I have no control or understanding. Lest tradegy strikes, may I always look to You and live. I look to You now and Your glory and beauty are beyond my imagination…