I Don’t Know If I Can Do This
“This is a catalog of the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated … 31 kings in all.” Joshua 12:7a, 24b (VOICE)
I didn’t really want to keep watching, but for some reason I couldn’t stop.
A real-life tightrope walker dared to cross a gorge near the Grand Canyon on live television. I didn’t know this man, but my fear for him and his potential plummet to the bottom of the canyon was real. With each step I prayed, Please God, let him make it across!
The wind blew so hard at times he’d stop and squat on the rope to lower himself beneath the gusts. He would pause and pray, then stand and continue across.
Yet possibly the craziest part was this wasn’t his first attempt at something so risky.
If I ever crossed a canyon, or a waterfall, or something else really high on a tight-rope and I survived, let me assure you — that would be the first and only time you’d see me do such a thing.
Stepping out of our comfort zones can be scary. But to do it more than once takes true faith. That’s the kind of faith the Israelites had. We see this especially as they conquered the Promised Land.
In our key verse, we read “This is a catalog of the kings of the land whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated …” (Joshua 12:7a). The chapter ends with “… 31 kings in all.” Tucked between these verses, we find the names of kings in the land of Canaan who fought, but couldn’t defeat, Joshua and God’s people as they entered the land God promised them.
After the walls of Jericho fell, the army marched, God moved in power and the Israelite army conquered 30 more kings.
And I wonder, with each new foe: Did they worry about the outcome? Did they question if God would show up this time like He did that day at Jericho?
Too often, I march into daily battles, wondering if this will be the time God doesn’t show up, rather than charging full speed ahead, knowing Whom I’m following and counting fully on Him.
Like the time I sat behind the wheel of my van with a long drive ahead. I’d made this drive many times; however, this time, I faced the road as the sole adult in the car with all six of my kids.
Enter fear, panic, doubt, maybe even a few tears.
But before I fell completely over the edge, God interrupted. He reminded me of prayer and my direct access to Him at all times. He pointed me to the many times He’d provided and counseled me to count on Him again.
So instead of wondering if God would show up, I threw all my concerns on His shoulders. Dear God, help us go the whole way without one stop. Help no one have to use the bathroom. Help the kids not fight. Help the traffic keep moving. Help me not get tired. Help no one get hungry.
I’ve heard confidence defined as “demonstrated ability.” And I think we can apply this definition to our spiritual lives.
I don’t know how Joshua and his army approached each battle following the victory at Jericho, but I know how they should have — confidently. God had demonstrated His ability at Jericho (and many other times, too).
