JULY 23, Joshua 11:7-8

Have you ever watched the TV programme called “Gotcha”? It is a reality show about surprising someone with some ridiculous stunt and filming their reaction. From the reactions, you can tell many were caught unawares.

It was exactly what the army of Israel did to the combined armed forces of Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph and the other kingdoms. Israel sprang a surprise attack on them, which sent their fighting men fleeing. What happened with all their impressive horses and chariots? After all, didn’t Israel only have soldiers on foot? This is a significant point as Israel’s foot soldiers stand little chance against the chariots and horses of the enemies. Use this example – a section of 8 soldiers today trying to fight against a huge armoured battle tank. Which side is expected to win? Clearly, the tank has overwhelming advantages.

But God was on Israel’s side.

The fact was Israel’s enemies did not expect Joshua and his men to launch an attack so soon after they arrived. They were caught unawares.

All that happened were according to God’s plan. Despite the chariots and horses, Israel’s enemies were not combat ready. Maybe they were still strangers to each other, or maybe they were just overconfident. No matter what the reason for their confusion was, they panicked and fled. On the other hand, Joshua’s army was ready for war at the word, “Go!” They were confident that God never fails.

Do you prepare for your daily spiritual battles? We need to be ever ready to combat sin, otherwise we will fall like Israel’s unprepared enemies. Read God’s Word, seek Him in prayer and always be ready to fight sin. God’s Word never fails.

Read 1 Peter 5:8 and fill in the blanks:
“Be __________ , be __________ ; because your adversary the __________ , as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Thought: If I do not prepare against Satan’s wiles, I am preparing to fall!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to be lazy or overconfident towards my spiritual battles, but ready to fight against sin each day. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.