Human beings are not naturally inclined to do things God’s way, not even those of us who are saved. In situations where we feel angry, afraid, or desperate, our flesh is very often the first responder. When trouble is upon us, God’s methods may seem lame, ineffective, or out of touch. Our desire for immediate relief will lead us away from God’s Word. We do not want to hear about Joshua, who God instructed to shout and praise down the walls of Jericho, or David, who declined Saul’s armor and brought Goliath down with a divinely anointed slingshot. When the going gets rough, the full armor of God seems difficult for us to apply. Hard times may even cause us to question God’s love, sufficiency, and good will toward us. But the question we need to ponder when times are tough is not God’s faithfulness towards us—but our faith in Him! Do we really trust God and His Word? Nothing will test our level of faith like tribulation. Next time trouble comes, before we hand the reins over to our flesh, let us be willing to seek God first. The strategies found in His Word are tried, tested, and found true.

Dear Father, 

Please help us to trust your Word and apply the full armor by the Holy Spirit. When the Jericho walls seem unsurmountable and the Goliaths taunt and threaten to destroy us, give us the faith of Joshua and David. Let us not resort to carnal weapons forged in the crucible of our fearful emotions. Lead us to humble ourselves, prayerfully seek your face, and stand sure-footed on the Solid Rock, who is Christ. Amen.

For Further Study:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Ephesians 6:10-18
Proverbs 3:5-6 / Proverbs 21:30
Joshua 5:13-15 / Joshua 6:1-5
1 Samuel 17:32-50
Isaiah 40:31/ Psalm 18:2