Total Obedience in spite of Opposition

Joshua 6:10 "But Joshua commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout nor let your voice be heard, nor let a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the LORD taken around the city, circling it once; then they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. 12 Now Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. 13 And the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them, and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while they continued to blow the trumpets. 14 Thus the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp; they did so for six days."

Yesterday, we looked at the "power of silence" as the Children of Israel marched around the wall six consecutive days without making noise. Today, I want to look at how Israel responded to God's instructions to Joshua in obedience but through faith in their God. Regardless how unusual the plan was or how hard it was to carry out, there was explicit obedience. We read in Hebrews 11:30, “by faith the walls of Jericho fell down …” In spite of the taunts that were perhaps hurled down at them from the walls as they marched silently around Jericho, they were willing to look foolish and simply rest in the Lord. He was their source of strength.

If we want to overcome our obstacles and testings, we must submit to God’s way by faith:
"For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness" (Gal. 5:5).

This week I was personally touched in my heart as I read an article from Fox news on-line about the present persecution of Christians in Iran. I read about how Christians in spite of facing arrest and even death are sharing Christ with their Muslim countrymen. As a result of these Iranian Christians obeying God rather than men, Christian converts are increasing as house churches are doubling in size. Signs, wonders, visions, and miracles are being reported. It may seem a foolish thing to the world but God is proven to be their sustainer and strength.

I encourage my KP congregation to start obeying in the small things and God will trust you with bigger things down the road. I promise you God will speak to you today concerning obeying Him in the small things if you will listen to His voice. I encourage you not to argue, or ignore Him, or even question Him...just obey Him.