March 1, 2016

"Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Joshua 2:8-11

Joshua discreetly sent two spies into Jericho to gather intel. They ended up at the home of Rahab the harlot. It may have been the only safe place within the walls of Jericho and it wasn't even that safe as the soldiers came by looking for them. Thanks to the courage and resourcefulness of Rahab, they stayed safe while they were in the city. When it came time to leave Jericho she helped them escape by lowering them down the wall.

Forty years earlier Joshua had been a spy, one of 12 appointed by Moses. After scouting out Canaan he came back with a realistic yet optimistic report, "We should go up and take this land!"

Unfortunately, there were 10 other spies who gave a negative report which discouraged the people and brought fear to their hearts.Rather than cross over into Jordan they demanded Moses lead them back into the wilderness.

But, God is the God of fresh starts, beginnings and second chances so He brought them back to Canaan for another shot at entering into the Land of Promise. And while they wandered By the time they were committed to cross the Jordan those who had doubted were dead.

So the two secret spies came back to Joshua with a very encouraging report. They told Joshua that God had planted a fear in the Hearts of those inside the walls of Jericho. All the marvelous miracles wrought by God to lead His people out of Egypt gave the Hebrews a fearsome reputation among the Canaanites. The Canaanites feared the God of the Hebrews perhaps more so than the Hebrews did! They should have felt quite safe hiding behind the impenetrable walls of Jericho but instead they were shaking in their sandals.

Herein lies a life-changing truth that should embolden you when God calls you to destroy your stronghold. WHEN GOD PUTS HIS COURAGE IN YOUR HEART HE HAS ALSO PLACED FEAR IN THE HEART OF YOUR ENEMY!

That's huge!

That can be a game-changer!

Anytime God is calling you to do some great thing that you wonder is possible, remember this powerful truth! When God is stirring courage in your heart you can be cure He has also placed fear in the heart of your enemy!

Here's the truth: THE BATTLE IS DONE BEFORE THE BATTLE IS BEGUN!

Serve God courageously!

Serve God confidently!