With her heart pounding, she leaned her back against the door. Her thoughts reeled as she thought through her next move. Accustomed to seeing men enter her doorway covertly, she wasn’t surprised by the stealthy moves of her two visitors (Joshua 2:1). After all, she was Rahab, a prostitute. But when the two men crossed the threshold of her home, their imposing figures indicated they were not there for business as usual. She now found herself face to face with two men of an altogether different kind.
That night when Rahab encountered the two Israelite spies, 40 years had passed since God’s miraculous deliverance of His people from Egypt. He’d intended for the testimonies to live from generation to generation among His people (Psalm 78:4), but, ironically, their enemies had retold the stories as well (Joshua 2:9-10). Although the unbelief of God’s own children had required His patience as He awaited the readiness of the next generation (Psalm 78:11-12), the people of Jericho didn’t have to be convinced of the greatness of God (Joshua 2:10-11).
We weren’t created to be a people who cower in the corner, simply hoping to hold out until we’re in Jesus’ presence. We were made to be more than conquerors through salvation in Him, and we’re now sons and daughters of almighty God (Romans 8:14-16,33-39). We won’t walk in the fullness of our identity, however, if we define ourselves by human opinions (even our own) or confine our vision to simply the physical world. Instead, we’re called to declare this truth from God: “My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when [My children] came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid” (Haggai 2:5). Fear melts before God’s love and power!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 10:24-48
More:
Read Joshua 1:7-16 and consider what it means for you to trust God to lead you to a “promised land.”
Next:
How do you typically respond when you can’t see a ready answer to the difficulties you’re facing? How can you learn to trust God more deeply and follow Him more courageously?
youssef1777 on October 24, 2016 at 1:13 am
AFTER WE GIVE OUR LIFE TO CHRIST .OUR DUTIES IS TO TELL OTHERS TO COME TO CHRIST .
youssef1777 on October 24, 2016 at 2:09 am
STICK WITH GOD ALL THE TIME . SO HE WILL GIVE YOU THE WISDOM TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE .
Regina Franklin on October 24, 2016 at 5:31 am
Good word, Youssef1777–God will give us the “wisdom to make the right choice.” Have a great day!
youssef1777 on October 24, 2016 at 2:22 am
TRUST IN THE LORD . THE FEAR WILL GO AWAY .
ng on October 24, 2016 at 4:26 am
Thanks Regina for this devotion fear. It really helped me. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you.
Regina Franklin on October 24, 2016 at 5:32 am
Thank you, Ng, and the same for you. May the Lord fill you with His courage and strength for all that today holds.
Gary Shultz on October 24, 2016 at 6:30 am
Wow, people are up and at’m this morning, even our beloved author, It’s a good week to get started. On to the post… Even after years of practice I don’t always have a good “hole shot” coming out of the blocks and getting hit still stuns me. It takes me a few moments to respond when I was ready to react. Usually with more space I can even re-think my initial response. The old nature of the carnivore must be arrested and a line to God must be thrown out to help with a gracious response. Regardless of how we respond, Spirit wisdom must be applied. Not all responses will be to a sassy interrogator, what of the announcement of a health issue, or trouble within the friends or family circle? As I write I must be reminded of the Psalmist, as often their eyes were downcast, but in the morning new mercy came, hope was grasp, and a place to stand was found. I’ll never be the fastest draw in the west (east in my case) but God has helped me to be a little quicker to find His faithfulness and to replicate a little grace. Hey, you got’a work at it. Thanks Regina
Regina Franklin on October 24, 2016 at 9:28 pm
Gary–I value your perspective. The only one who gets it perfect is Christ, and while we aim to be like Him, the better expression of our walk of faith is rather than looking for perfection, we need to rejoice in the progress we make from day to day. I think the apostle Paul refers to it as going from “glory to glory.” Micah 7:8 echoes this same truth–when we fall, when we miss the mark, the Lord is ever-present to heal our repentant hearts and set our feet back on the path leading to His glory. Hope you have a great week!
Mike Wittmer on October 24, 2016 at 7:06 am
Thank you, Regina. I needed this reminder today. I wonder if God sometimes allows us to face impossible situations so He can receive praise and our faith can be confirmed when He delivers us.
Regina Franklin on October 24, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Hi Mike! I can definitely agree that regardless of what life brings our way, God loves us enough to turn the groaning of this earth and our flesh into a demonstration of His goodness. In this way, the surety off His love becomes evident from both the mountaintop, the valley and every step in between.
gagirllive on October 24, 2016 at 7:24 am
Good encouragement for us, Regina. Just as word had reached the people of Jericho, God’s reputation still precedes Him today. He truly is the Famous One—great is His name in all the earth! He is still the God of wonders and miracles. Every soul saved is a miracle! I have heard and experienced for myself the awesomeness of His love, wisdom, and power. When my heart is overwhelmed with fear, I turn to the Rock that is higher than I. He is truly my refuge and strength—a very present help in trouble. I find my peace and rest in the promised land of His salvation. Because I know how forgetful I am, especially in times of fear, I purpose my heart to remember. I remember what He did to make me His. I remember that His faithful promises are my shield and my protection. I remember that I’m called to walk by faith and not by sight. I remember that He is working ALL things out in my life to fit into the pattern He has planned for me. And I remember that He is preparing a place for me (a real, physical Promised Land) to spend eternity with Him. Just meditating on all this truth produces courage in my heart. Christ is my personal bravery, and He is giving me hinds feet to climb the heights. Faith in Him is still the victory! Glory to His Name! Thank you for this today, Regina. Grace and peace to you and all my sojourners.
gagirllive on October 24, 2016 at 7:46 am
As an added note, Psalm 27 is one of my favorite meditations when I’m afraid. Praying someone will find comfort and courage in it today. ♡
Regina Franklin on October 24, 2016 at 9:34 pm
I wholeheartedly agree on the power of Psalms 27. One of my favorites is verse 8!
sim jing ying on October 24, 2016 at 10:01 am
I will preservere without complaining and trust God’s plan even when the answer is not revealed yet and God will give His joy to me as a source of strength. By doing daily devotion, you will trust in Him more deeply and follow Him more courageously.
Regina Franklin on October 24, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Praying encouragement for you Sim Jing Ying. Yes, I agree that we are to be thankful and not complain. However, God also values our ability to be real with Him regarding our questions, doubts and fears. There is a difference between showing Him the truth of what we are feeling ( even though He already knows) and grumbling because we think God owes us something. I agree that our choice to be thinking over His promises and truth daily makes a distinct difference in our level of endurance in any spiritual battle!