Battle Plan
I remember the first Gulf War called Desert Storm. I remember watching reports from General Norman Schwarzkoph that were informational, insightful and sometimes a bit humorous. After the US had successfully taken out the Republican Guard, the general reveal his battle plan. He built up a strong force on the border with Kuwait where the enemy thought he would be, but he then had a stronger flank well north enter the country and circle back to meet his other forces, therefore trapping the enemy. The war was over in a matter of days because of the battle plan combined with the proper forces.
Joshua was given a battle plan by The Lord. The very first city the Israelites were taking in the new land was Jericho. God’s battle plan was a bit strange. The city of Jericho was on lockdown because of fear of the Israelite army. The Lord’s plan was for the people to march around the city once a day for 7 days, then on the 7th day, march around the city 7 times. The people were not to talk, but to march. The only noise was the blowing of the trumpets by the priests. They marched in front of the Ark of the Covenant and the people followed. This plan was a bit “out there”, but Joshua trusted the Lord’s Plan and the people trusted their leader Joshua. Check this out…
15 On the seventh day they got up at dawn and marched around the city, just as they had on the days before. But on that day they marched around the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around the priests blew their trumpets. Then Joshua gave the command: “Now, shout! The Lord has given you this city! 17 The city and everything in it are to be destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone in her house should remain alive. They must not be killed, because Rahab hid the two spies we sent out.
20 When the priests blew the trumpets, the people shouted. At the sound of the trumpets and the people’s shout, the walls fell, and everyone ran straight into the city. So the Israelites defeated that city. (Joshua 6:15-17,20 NLT)
The Lord’s battle plan is not always predictable.
The Lord’s battle plan is not always conventional.
The Lord’s battle plan is designed to bring honor and glory to Him.
The Lord’s battle plan requires trust.
The Lord’s battle plan requires listening.
The Lord’s battle plan requires my obedience.
I need to become familiar with the Lord’s battle plan for me. I need to listen carefully and then walk out His plan for my life and any battles I might face. He is with me. I find incredible and undeniable strength in His Presence.
Pressing On!
Dwayne