By Jill Briscoe
When I have a problem in my life, it can look as big as Jericho. The walls may look formidable. In my waking moments, I find myself going around and around my dilemma.
God told Joshua to go around Jericho once every day (Josh. 6:3). I learned to discipline myself to go around my particular Jericho only once! True, there was an appropriate time for Joshua and his men to circumnavigate the city seven times (Josh. 6:4, 15), and there is an appropriate time for me to spend special effort in focused prayer about my difficulty. But I learned to wait for God to direct me into such a time.
The priests carried the Ark of the Lord representing the presence of Yahweh with His people. Each day as I went around my own Jericho, I took “the Ark” with me, reminding myself of God’s presence and His word that had the power to pull down strongholds.
The walls will crumble one day, and it will all be over. God will get the glory, and the hard marches in the heat of the day will be forgotten in the sweet taste of victory. Until that great day when our particular Jericho falls, God grant us the faith to persevere and the endurance to go “once around Jericho” with our God and fellow travelers in the faith – believing that however high the walls, fortified the gates, or strong the enemy, it’s only a matter of time!
“March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days.” ~ Joshua 6:3
Lord, thank You for Your presence in my life daily. You have the power to pull down strongholds, and a plan for all the things going on around me. When I become burdened in my circumstances, help me to discipline my thoughts to bring it to You once daily. Then give me the strength and faith to keep persevering to keep going until the day the worry is over and You cause the wall to crumble. Amen.
Please enjoy other articles JBU has shared on persevering in faith. As you read, we pray you are encouraged as you trust God through whatever trials you face; find contentment to help you embrace your circumstances and ultimately find the peace only God can give.