
If God is for us, who or what can stand against us? (Romans 8:31) And yet, I feel this verse needs a caveat–it implies obedience, as does the below devotion, written by author Karen Jurgens. For those of you who’ve been following my blog for a while, you might remember a similar post, What’s Your Jericho. This biblical account, and the application it offers for our lives today, merits the reminder. As you read Karen’s post, pause to think of all the seemingly impenetrable walls in your life. Has God called you to advance toward them in faith? Then obey without hesitation, trusting Him to perfect that which concerns you. (Psalm 138:8)
Prayer Victory
“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and valiant warriors’” ~ Joshua 6:2, NASB.

During difficult times, how do we fight? By going to battle on our knees. Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have to come against the enemy, but we also need strategy for using it effectively.
Let’s look at the story of Joshua and see how he was guided in the battle for Jericho. (You can read the entire account HERE.)
Directed by God, he and his troops were faithful to do as commanded. “You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do so for six days” ~ Joshua 6:3, NASB. Marching around the city in silence once each day must have been a true act of faith—no swords, no fighting, and no words. Armed men went first, followed by seven priests blowing seven rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord, followed by the rear guard.
How could a simple march bring down city walls and usher victory into the hands of the Israelites? It must have been especially challenging on the sixth day—the day before the miracle—but they had God’s promise that He would bring them the victory.
Do we also feel the same way as we pray in God’s will for our requests—perhaps for days, weeks, or even years—as we keep waiting for that breakthrough? Probably so.

But the seventh day dawned in Jericho. On that special day, the procedure was different. “…then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets” ~ Joshua 6:4b, NASB. They marched around the city walls six times, and on the seventh round, God told them “…when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the walls of the city will fall down flat…” ~ Joshua 6:5, NASB. What a victory celebration that must have been!
That seventh day is on the way for us prayer warriors. As we march around and pray over our requests, let us continue to have faith that the day when God will pull down our strongholds is coming soon.
Dear Lord, like the story of Joshua, may our walls come tumbling down!
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Let’s talk about this. When faced with a challenge, do you focus on the challenge or turn your heart and mind to Christ through prayer? I think sometimes we forget how powerful and attentive He is. How He truly is for us. What are you facing right now? Are you using the challenge as an opportunity to pray or as a reason to worry? The choice is ours! Share your thoughts in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.
Good word. Sometimes it’s hard to keep marching …
I am facing a challenge right now in my career. The story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho is so encouraging to me in particular – I want to go read the whole thing now! I know God is faithful and I am praying He will help me to keep marching through this extremely difficult time.
I’m so sorry you’re going through a tough time, but I know it will be an opportunity for you to see God’s all-powerful, loving hand. I’m so glad today’s post encouraged you! And amen, God is always attentive and faithful. I’m going to say a prayer for you right now, that God gives you the strength to fully rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He, at this very moment, is going before you and that He will perfect that which concerns you. Hugs, sweet sister!
Hey Jen, this was a really good thought provoking post. I’ve ben going through so much over the last three years, (as you know) and this post reminded me to not focus on the situation as much. God is so powerful and His plans are always better than what I can come up with. I feel myself growing in this direction too. I have found myself marching through my battles with Him right next to me, not before Him and not being Him. Good blog. Beth
Amen! I’m sorry you’ve been going through so much, but I’m so glad God is encouraging you and reminding you of His sovereignty.