Thursdays with Joshua

Read Joshua 11:1-5 – And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard these things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, and to the kings who were from the north, in the mountains, in the plain south of Chinneroth, in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west, to the Canaanites in the east and in the west, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite in the mountains, and the Hivite below Hermon in the land of Mizpah. So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. (NKJV)

Ever feel like everyone is against you? We’ve all been there. But note that in Joshua’s story, the enemies start ganging up on him when they see the success God is giving. The victories throughout the South have made the northern nations realize that they can’t defeat Joshua’s army by themselves. So, they come together in an unlikely alliance. You’ve probably heard it said, “My enemy’s enemy is my friend.” That’s what is occurring here for Joshua. Tribes and kings that likely didn’t trust each other put aside their differences to unite against a common enemy—the man of God and his righteous pursuit of the Promised Land. Don’t be surprised when Satan marshals his forces against you either. In fact, such challenges often come in the midst of the victories God has given us. Just when we think we can’t be defeated, God’s enemy comes at us with both barrels loaded. Never forget that the size of the enemy matters little when God is on your side. As young David learned, the same God that can help you defeat a lion or bear can also be trusted to help you conquer a giant and even an entire nation. Just keep trusting Him.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.