Joshua 5:13-14 “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” 

In our lives we all have Jericho walls that prevent us from entering into the promise land.  The walls are barriers to what God has promised us. Oftentimes we get discouraged and disheartened when we see these walls.  However, we need to remember that God has promised us the victory despite the situation. 

Sometimes when the Lord has victory ahead of us, he sends prior to that victory the commander of His army.  However, in certain cases it is only when:

1. We are near to the place of victory.  When we are near the place of victory we are under the greatest attack from the enemy of our souls and discouragement can set in.  God sends His commander to change our focus from self to Him so that we know that the victory is not ours but His- the battle is the Lord’s.
2. We look up.  It was only when Joshua looked up that He saw the Lord’s commander with a drawn sword in his hand.  We need to look up to God for direction.  When we look up we will see the Lord’s strategies and His servants who are already prepared for battle.  Think about it!  Are we ready for encounters with the living God through His servants as we go into battle?  Are we going into our own strength or are we relying on the Lord to take us through?

Today as we are near to the place of victory let us look up to God for direction and encouragement.  Let us know that He is still working on our behalf even when it seems hopeless.

PRAYER

Jesus I come to you, discouraged and disheartened wondering how and when this victory will be won.  I look to you now in this time when all else around me has failed. Please draw near to me and show me your face and what moves to make.  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.