Stopped: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Stopped

Time stopped.

Sun did not set

day of slaughter

enemies destroyed,

that battle

scorched territory

desperate circumstances

endured struggle.

Time began.

Sun set

day of salvation

eternal promise.

Reflection: Battle: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What spiritual and relational battles have you been fighting on your own?

2.     Are you struggling in your own strength or in the Lord’s power?

3.     Is it difficult to trust if the outcome is not immediately visible? What do you do when doubts overwhelm?

4.     Are you willing to do it God’s way—even if the process is painful?

  Share: Have you experienced the Lord fighting for you? How?

Battle: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 10

“The sun stopped in mid-heaven, and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded a human voice; for the Lord fought for Israel.” Joshua 10: 13-14

Because the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel within the land, five kingdoms allied to attack them. Because of the attack Gibeon cried out to Joshua for aid. And because Joshua turned to the Lord in prayer the sun stopped in mid-heaven and the battle completed. Because the Lord fought for Israel.

There are many trials in our lives when we wonder when the release might come and sometimes we may forget that some battles can be won in a day—if we are in prayer and the Lord fights the battle Himself.

Whether an immediate need or long term, there can be no permanent victory apart from the Lord’s presence. And often we are not willing to wait for His full answer but jump into a skirmish on our own. And then days—weeks—even years later the sin, the enemy, returns in fuller force than ever before.

Ephesians 6: 10-20 gives us the means and the reminder that God’s armor is ready for daily covering for us as well today. That the danger lurks unseen as well as seen and we need His covering—just as Israel did—that we might be able to resist on that evil day and stand firm.

“Joshua took all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.”

Lord, please help us to remember that whether the battle is stretched over time or when time stands still, there is no completed victory unless in Your power. Give us courage to stand and fight when you say. And only trust in Your plans no matter how extraordinary.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 130:5 & 7

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.”