TODAY’S WORD BY JOEL OSTEEN.
God has created you to be a victor, not a victim. Jump-start your day by celebrating the very best that God has for you!These daily inspirations will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and equip you to be everything God intends you to be. – Joel Osteen
Two million Israelites made the exodus from Egypt and traveled through the desert toward the Promised Land. They came to the city of Jericho, which was the last obstacle that stood between them and the land God promised. Jericho was surrounded by a huge stone wall so thick that chariots could ride on top of it. God told Joshua to have the people march around the walls for seven days and not say a word. The first day they went out and walked around the walls one time, and nothing happened. It was hot and dusty, and they were already worn out from traveling through the desert. They did it again the second day, and nothing happened. On the third day, nothing. On the fourth day, nothing. They started to get discouraged, thinking, “What are we doing out here? Nothing is happening.”
It wouldn’t have been so difficult if they had seen a little crack starting in the wall while they were walking. It would have been easier if on the fourth day some of the rocks started to come apart, then on the fifth day part of the top began to crumble, and the next time around they could see the foundation shifting. If they would have just seen some improvement, some sign that it was making a difference, a little crack here and there, something to keep them encouraged, but nothing changed. They were doing what God called them to do, walking around a city, not complaining. They were doing their part, so why wasn’t God doing His part? God works in silence. The Israelites didn’t understand it, and they were uncomfortable, but they just kept doing the right thing. On the seventh day, on the seventh time around, there was still no sign of the wall weakening. But when they completed the seventh lap, blew the trumpets and shouted, suddenly the walls came tumbling down.
Too often we’ll stay in faith if we see the wall cracking, if we see a little sign of things improving. We’re waiting for God to show us something that indicates the situation is going to turn around, that what’s promised is on the way. But you may not get a sign. That’s when you have to dig down deep and say, “God, I may not see anything happening, but I’m not moved by what I see. I’m moved by what I know. I’m going to keep doing the right thing even though there is no sign. I’m going to keep believing and thanking You even though nothing is improving. I know what You promised is on the way.” Keep believing when you’re not seeing. Don’t consider your walls, consider your God. The walls will fall.
