I’ve read the story of Jericho numerous times, always from the perspective of what God did–which is amazing. But today I read it through a different lens What must it have felt like for the Israelites to march around a heavily fortified, six-acre city, not once, not twice, but thirteen times?
As the 8+ meter wall loomed beside them, swallowing them in its shadow, did their courage fade?
I imagine when they first received God’s instructions, they felt excited. Hoorah! God has given us the city! Let’s go! On day two, halfway around with no sign of victory in sight, did they begin to feel foolish? Then came day three, day four, five and six. How easy it would have been to give in, to walk away, to chalk it all up to a crazy idea not worth pursuing.
Then came day seven. This had to be the most difficult day of all when the Israelites marched around the city not once, but seven times. Seven times around a heavily fortified, six acre city. All total, the Israelites marched around the city thirteen times. Do the math–that’s a lot of acrage to cover. That’s a lot of walking, with zero fighting.
I can imagine the thoughts that must have filled their minds. Surely the God who parted the Red Sea could move faster. Seven days? Wasn’t there a more efficient way?
Maybe, if God was only concerned with conquering the city, but God had bigger plans–eternal plans. It’s easy to praise God when everything goes as expected. It’s easy to trust Him when life is easy. It’s another matter entirely when everything runs contrary to reason and we feel like we’re endlessly marching in circles.
Seven long days of nothing, doubts and insecurities flooding their minds. Seven long days of their hearts crying out to God. “Do you remember, Lord? Are you still in this?”
Then imagine their jubilation when they rounded that corner for the thirteenth time and the ram horn blasted. The faithful marchers shouted with victory, then the walls came tumbling down.
What’s your Jericho and where are you on your march?
Loved, chosen, & empowered 
Thanks for this powerful and poignant reminder Jenn!!
The words to a worship song came to my mind/heart: “The battle belongs to The Lord…” In some personal on-going issues/battles, I have been reminded YET AGAIN to stay at it…to not cave to cravings, anxieties, weariness….blessings…sandyT
I definitely have some Jerichos. Just remembering Who is in charge – and believing He will triumph – makes all the difference.
My Jericho right now is needing courage and wisdom to write for Him. To let His Spirit flow through me and not hold it back. I do need to push on … and your post is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I have always got up early in the morning to study and pray. Now I started to get up even earlier to read the Bible, be inspired to write, and pray. It was the inspiration part I was missing. Thanks again for a great post. Those walls are going to come a-tumblin’ down!
Sandy, Joanne and Jancoxabetter way, thanks for sharing! My blog tends to be my prayer journal, turned public. However, whenever I share what God is doing in my life, it always amazes me how many appear to be struggling with or learning the same thing! Blessings ladies and keep marching!
Jericho. Yeah, I know the place and have been there repeatedly. I’m still marching around one (or more), but I KNOW God will drop the wall at the right time. HIS time. I’ve seen Him do it before. So I’m marching–sometimes chewing my lip and wringing my hands and sometimes full of faith and confidence.
Loved your comment, Patty, because it demonstrates a commitment to follow truth regardless of how we feel.
Jen, I think we all have our Jerichos. I try to go by one of my favorites:”Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.Amazing how His words are timeless if only we stop to listen.
Kathy
PS I really like your blog 🙂
Great verse, Kathy! And thanks for the encouraging words! Blessings
Thanks for the encouraging words. Not sure what day I am in walking around my Jericho – but it is one day closer.
What a beautiful, encouraging, powerful comment–one day closer. Love it!
For me, it’s now pub board. I’ve been in and out so many times, I think they’ve installed a revolving door just for me. “Ane Mulligan? Oh, yeah. Send her through that door over there.” LOL
I know God has a time and a place. I don’t want my expectations to get in His way. So I pray for wisdom and keep on writing. 🙂
Exciting and frustrating, I’m sure! And love your attitude and focus! (And can’t wait till the revolving door becomes a one-way funnel! I’ll be all over your novels because I love your writing!)