Ever Growing Ever Changing

As we move into a new year, many Christian women want to deepen our walk with God. We have goals that might involve reading our Bibles more, going to church more, joining Sunday School, participating in a church ministry, doing more for others, being more patient with our children, and having deeper faith in God.

Deeper faith. That’s probably the hardest. It might be harder even than obeying most of the ten commandments. “Don’t lie.” Okay. “Don’t kill.” No problem. “ Be still and know that I am God.” Wow, that’s asking a lot. Yet, here comes the book of Hebrews with this jarring reminder: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. And the said Hebrews, as well as Galatians, Romans, and Habakkuk also says this: “The righteous shall live by faith”.

So, faith is indispensable in the Christian walk. What makes faith so hard though? Even when God has proven himself over and over, it seems each new trial fills us with doubt and even despair. It’s so easy to forget the goodness of God in the past. Perhaps it’s the human penchant to be pessimistic. Perhaps because we can’t see God, we’re not always sure He’s there. Maybe the problems seem too overwhelming to be solved. If you live in Jamaica, for example, the economic and security challenges appear to have evaded our leaders. Can God possibly do anything about them, then? Or perhaps we can’t fully trust in God because we like to have control and all the answers.

For me it’s probably the last one more than anything. I’m a planner. I like to know what’s next, but when situations arise that I can do nothing about, that I cannot plan my way out of, it means I have to depend on an external entity, that is, God. If I’m being honest, I don’t like to outsource my future. I get anxious when I don’t know what’s next, especially in those moments when God does not seem to be saying much. I don’t think I’m the only one.

I decided I wanted to read the Bible through this year, not a Bible study per se, but a read-through, like a story. It is, after all, the story of God’s love for us. From Genesis to Revelation, his love and plan for creation is the common thread woven throughout. Anyway, I started with Joshua, having completed the Pentateuch last year. The story of the Israelites’ triumph over Jericho truly stood out in a way it hadn’t before. A new level of spiritual maturity does come with new insights.

Have you ever thought of how ridiculous the Israelite army must have looked to the inhabitants of Jericho just marching around the city and blowing trumpets for six whole days? Okay, on day one, they might have been disconcerted at this strange tactic of apparently serenading them into submission, but by day six, without any kind of true military action, they must have begun to find the whole thing at least slightly amusing, not to mention wearisome.

I’m sure the Israelite army found it a bit ridiculous too, especially after a few days. This is not exactly something you’d find in a manual on war strategies. They probably wondered if this was the best use of their military training and skills and their time. I can imagine some grumbling against Joshua and the military commanders. And on top of that, they might not even have felt assured of the outcome. Yet, in the end, things happened exactly as God had promised. And if you think the story of Jericho is but a fable, check out the work of archaeologist John Garstang.

Sometimes, the direction that God seems to be sending us in makes no sense to us. The things He is asking us to do don’t always appear to be the best use of our skills, talents, and time. Others ridicule us and question our motives and approaches. We begin to doubt what we thought we heard from Him. We may even begin to devise our own strategies for victory. The fall of the Wall of Jericho is an important reminder that his Word can be trusted, even when it appears to make no sense. It is not for us to make sense of it; it is rather our duty to obey the instructions of the sovereign and all-powerful commander of our destinies.

Over a year ago, I heard God say, “Trust and obey”. I know that sounds a bit loony, but if you know, you know. Joshua 6 was a much-needed reminder for me.

In what ways has God reminded you to trust and obey? I’d love to hear down below.