Missionary Broadcasting.com

“Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.” Even God-given victory takes time, and sometimes excruciating effort. What’s more, it often faces great opposition. While enemies surround us, our success is never in doubt. Our job is to trust the Lord through each individual moment of trial. The challenge is to focus on the promise, and have confidence in the character of the One who made it. Israel was constantly confronted, but never in danger of loss. Believers in Christ may face persecution. We have the hope of heaven in our hearts, and the promise of God, as He will bring it to pass. We can also be certain that He will work all things together for good. These assurances should keep us in consistent obedience to Him. He is just as trustworthy, loving, and kind in the midst of war. When Joshua had a moment to look back on this season of constant battle, I am certain he treasured his relationship with God through every moment. He, like us, should not have taken consolation in final victory, but in the God of final victory.