Strength and Courage | Joshua 1:9, Joshua 6:20, Joshua 24:15

We’re continuing this week’s series called, Victory in Christ. In this episode, we’re talking about Jericho and how Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land. Was there ever a time in your life you were anxious? One of the things I struggle with is anxiety. It can feel paralyzing at times. Sometimes anxiety can whisper lies that paralyze us, like the walls of Jericho. However, when Joshua led the Israelites against Jericho, he didn’t listen to the words of fear. He listened to the words of God. Let’s start there!

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Transcription:

Guest Speaker: Joshua Parkerson

Hi, I’m Joshua Parkerson. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. This week I’m filling in for my mom, Erica, and we’re doing a series called Victory in Christ. In this episode, we’re going to walk around the walls of Jericho and see how Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land. Was there ever a time in your life you were anxious? One of the things I struggle with is anxiety. It can feel paralyzing at times. Sometimes anxiety can whisper lies that paralyze us, like the walls of Jericho. However, when Joshua led the Israelites against Jericho, he didn’t listen to the words of fear. He listened to the words of God. For it says in Joshua 1:9,” This is my command. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord. Your God is with you wherever you go.” You see, it’s easy to listen to the voice of fear, but Joshua followed God’s way, and even though it wasn’t easy, Joshua still listened to God.

Now, before Joshua led the Israelites to Jericho, God told Joshua that he had delivered Jericho into his hands, and he and the Israelites had to do what God instructed. Joshua and the Israelites had to march around Jericho once for six days and have seven priests carrying trumpets of Rams horns in front of the Ark of the Covenant. Then God said, on the seventh day march around Jericho seven times, and when the priests blow their trumpets with a long blast, have the whole army give a loud shout. So Joshua led the Israelites against Jericho and did exactly what God told them to do. For Joshua 6:20 says,” When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Because Joshua trusted God and depended on him for his strength and courage, he led Israel into the Promised Land and won the battle of Jericho.

When did you have to face a Jericho in your life? For me, my Jericho is anxiety. It can be difficult for me to deal with, but I know that with God on my side, I know that I’m never alone. I have to deal with circular thoughts. Sometimes the circular thoughts might say that I need to go to the hospital if I have a health issue, and, in the end I’m okay. This is because I had a lot of health issues in the past, but those thoughts come on repeat in my mind, and it’s hard for me to get them out. The circular thoughts from anxiety may sound discouraging, but when I hear the story of Joshua, I’m encouraged that Joshua and the Israelites walked around Jericho in circles and won the battle. Amazingly, it is like the victory we have in Christ. Like the victory at Jericho, He has won the battle for us. Jesus has delivered Jericho into our hands, and all we need to do is trust him. For Joshua 24:15 says,” But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” God has defeated sin and death, and because of that, we have nothing to fear because God is on our team. And the Jericho in your life might be mighty, but it will not compare to the love that God has for you. Just like God was with Joshua, God is with us, and he can destroy any Jericho in your life. Next time on the Bible for busy people, we’re going to witness a battle between a shepherd and a giant. Yes, we’re going to see David, a man after God’s own heart, fight Goliath and win by trusting in God’s perfect heart. Thank you so much for listening. I’ll see you next time on the Bible for busy people.

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