The Next Faithful Step
The Relationship: From Warrior to Trumpet
Recently, I have struggled as a leader not to manufacture what only grace can do, rush sanctification, and try to control results. I know I am not alone.
And reading Joshua 6 reminded me of one of the Bible's common themes so far. Israel struggles with the same thing.
But God.
In His unending mercy and grace, He reminds His people that the results are His and faithfulness is theirs. And if we can get this as believers, striving and burnout will be less common.
The Story
Jericho.
Genesis 15:16 reminds us why Israel is there. The iniquity of the Amorites was not yet complete. God delayed judgment. That alone is mercy.
And then there is Rahab.
Rahab had heard about the God of Israel, and by faith she and her family were spared. So even in a story of judgment, we still see mercy. We still see grace. Mercy is available through faith.
But there is something else significant that Jericho shows us.
If I were Joshua, and had already been in many battles, I would think I needed force, strategy, and military strength. Go all in. Knock the city down. Then say God is with us.
But Israel’s assignment was the opposite.
Walk.
Play the trumpets.
Raise their voices.
Walk, wait, trust.
The Walls Were God’s Responsibility
This shows us that you cannot manufacture a breakthrough.
Your role is to stay aligned with God’s instructions. To obey Him. To trust Him. He is the One who brings walls down, in His way and in His time.
This pattern appears all over Scripture.
Gideon’s army reduced to 300 in Judges 7.
David defeating Goliath with a sling in 1 Samuel 17.
Jehoshaphat winning as Judah worshiped in 2 Chronicles 20.
Why does God do this?
Because He often chooses methods that look weak to human beings, so His glory is unmistakable.
Israel would have heard this and remembered that God’s covenant promises remain secure. He does not waver. He does not forget. He does not fail.
So trust Him.
Never Finished Challenge
Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him, and He will act.”
That is easier said than done. But that is exactly why now matters.
Lift your hands and trust Him.
Practically:
Spend daily time with Him.
Learn about Him in His Word.
Grow in your relationship with Him.
Read the Bible every day and find out who He is.
Then ask a better question.
Not, what is the next big step?
Not, how can I execute this?
Not, how can I control the outcome?
Ask, what is the next faithful step?
With what I know about God from His Word, His character, His plan, and His ways, what is the next faithful step?
Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word is alive and active. And 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that Scripture is breathed out by God. His Word is not dead ink on a page. The Holy Spirit uses it to search us, steady us, correct us, and train us.
Psalm 24:1 reminds us that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.
So the challenge for you and me today is not first to ask for a better plan.
It is to surrender to the faithful next step.
A little prayer for you:
Lord, help me act faithfully with what You have entrusted to me, and release the results to You.
What Does Today Say About God?
Sovereign.
Could you imagine if I were in charge?
I would be controlling, domineering, quick to anger, and wise in my own eyes.
Basically, Thanos.
A self-centered brute.
But good news. I am not God. And neither are you.
So we get to be His children, His vessels, His friends, and His empowered sojourners for His glory in the world.
What a Father.
What a Friend.
What a King.
Thank You, Jesus.