the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 1 of 5
Joshua 8:1-13
God’s prohibition was the main reason for the severe defeat suffered by Israel. Yet there was another cause behind that reverse. The victory at Jericho had obviously given the people confidence in themselves. This was especially surprising bearing in mind that a miracle had taken place! What was Israel’s contribution to the destruction of the fortress? But how often we are like this people! When the Lord has saved us from a difficult situation, instead of relying more upon Him in the next trial, we no longer feel the need of His help. And defeat is the result! Then again our hearts are so made that we are prepared to trust in God for massive problems but when it comes to small ones we often imagine we can sort those out ourselves. The story of the capture of Ai teaches us that we need the Lord continually.
How much trouble was now necessary to win the victory! Instead of the estimated three thousand soldiers, ten times more are required, not to mention a complex plan. Restoration is always a long and difficult process. At Jericho the people had to learn to appreciate the power of God; at Ai they must experience their own weakness.
