by Sandra Allen Lovelace @SandraALovelace #WallflowerWomen
Have your Thanksgiving preparations surrounded you like warriors with weapons?
Maybe, like me, you feel like the Gibeonites in Joshua 10—under attack by all five Amorite kings of the hill country.
In their distress, the Gibeonites appealed to Joshua, God’s chosen leader. “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us!” (Joshua 10:6)* And Joshua responded by marching up with his entire army.
The LORD encouraged him toward victory. Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you (Joshua 10:8). And that’s exactly what happened. By divine intervention, the Amorites were routed and conquered.
Joshua is considered an Old Testament illustration of the coming Messiah, Savior of God’s chosen people. The message Joshua gave to the Israelites at the close of this Amorite conflict was powerful and noteworthy for Christ’s followers today.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight (Joshua 10:25).
We aren’t fighting a military offensive though some situations may feel that way. Endless tasks, tight time schedules, difficult relationships, waning energy, jangled emotions, unappreciated efforts, failed recipes, forgotten details, deep sadness, and every other detail that attends significant celebrations can assault us like enemies. God’s message is the same.
Do not be afraid of them [any obstacle]; I have given them into your hand (Joshua 10:8). [my insert]
It would be grand if we could call up an army of reinforcements to assist us when we feel overwhelmed. Extra hands certainly are helpful. But those who are in alive in Christ have a greater option. In our distress, we can call out to the Holy One of Israel. And as surely as Joshua rushed to aid the Gibeonites, Jesus the Son will come to our rescue.
Is it time to call for relief from the onslaught?
I look forward to hearing about the answer you receive.
Raising my voice toward heaven,
Sandra
*NIV1984, unless otherwise noted