The God of breakthrough - The fall of Jericho

    In Joshua Chapter 6, we read the story of the fall of the city of Jericho. The Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and entered the land promised to them by God, the land of Canaan. However, they faced a major obstacle - the city of Jericho. This fortified city was standing in the way of the Israelites being able to move further into Canaan. They had to destroy it to be able to move further into the land. Upon God’s instruction, Joshua commanded the priests carrying the ark of the covenant and the army, to silently march around the city once for six days. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing trumpets. The seventh time, the priests were to give a long blow on the trumpets, the army was to give a shout and the walls of the city would collapse. When they had done all of this and the walls collapsed, they swarmed into the city and destroyed and burned it but saved a prostitute and her family because she had helped them when they came to spy out the city and the land.
    There is no logical reason why walls as thick and as fortified as the walls of Jericho should collapse simply by marching around it. Yet, when God is in it, anything impossible becomes possible. The reality is that the city of Jericho was a strong city preventing the Israelites from being able to move further into Canaan. The city was strategically positioned and fortified so that intruders could not easily enter Canaan. Yet, God was with Israel, and not even the strongest of fortifications could prevent them from receiving what God had promised them. 
    When you think about it in this light, it means that nothing that the enemy sends your way, could truly prevent you from receiving God’s will for you. The enemy may be able to delay or hinder you, but only for a time. He cannot stand in your way forever. It’s about trusting God to bring to pass His promise, His Word in your life and in His time.
    What’s also interesting is that the Israelites had already faced a major obstacle as they tried to enter the land of Canaan - the Jordan River (Joshua 3:7-17). At the time they were ready to enter Canaan, it was that time of the year when the Jordan River burst its banks. I have seen a video or two on this overflow and believe me, it is not a place that you would want to cross especially with women and children. It would have been easier to cross that river when it had not overflown its banks. But the thing with God is that the more impossible the situation, the more His power and might are evident. God will never put us through a situation He cannot handle. We may not be able to handle it, but He can. So, the Jordan River experience would have been one way to strengthen their faith in God for what lay ahead - the city of Jericho. God will always allow tough situations to strengthen our faith in Him. God gave them the breakthrough at the Jordan River and in so doing prepared them to be confident that He would give them another breakthrough at the city of Jericho. 
    The thing is, we don’t like impossible situations. Yes, we may know that God is able and that He can bring us through but I don’t think we actually like what we have to go through to experience this reality. The sight of the Jordan River’s overflowed banks and rushing waters may have looked intimidating to the Israelites. The reality of Jericho standing in their way may have also been intimidating to them. But the reality is that each time, God gave them strategies to help them overcome. The God of breakthrough showed them exactly how to make it successfully through each obstacle they faced. What was impossible for them to accomplish was certainly not impossible for their God. God did it for them - each time - and He will do the same for you.
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God knows that this life will at times bring impossible situations your way. But He also knows that He is able to handle every impossible situation that comes your way. He is still the God of the breakthrough, the God who will enable you to successfully navigate every obstacle, every challenge you may face. Be encouraged. 
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