Joshua 5:13-15
‘Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, he raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” He said, “No; rather I have come now as captain of the army of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” And the captain of the LORD’S army said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.’
All of Joshua’s questions are answered in ways he isn’t expecting. The first one is are you for us or our enemies? The answer is neither. The implication is “I’m on God’s side. Are You with Us?” That’s so good. We usually see only two sides and one of them is ours. That’s the wrong perspective. If we are in God’s family, then it’s His side, not ours.
When we make that mistake we get frustrated and hurt. We aren’t looking through the eyes of faith. I Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.” The eyes of faith aren’t surprised. We are to rest in Him as the waves of circumstances rise. He’s got us.
Worry is a good indicator if we resting in faith or not. Philippians 4:6,7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” We aren’t to be anxious.
The question is “Are we on God’s side?” To know this we look to the Bible. It’s His Word to us. It’s the standard. The bible is mocked by the world. It’s seen as outdated. However, it’s been said that “It’s the anvil that has worn out many hammers”. Don’t feel embarrassed by it. I Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” God designed it that way. They will mock. Ignore them.
Matthew 7:14 says, “But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” His way is not the popular way. Don’t worry about that. When we are with God, we are good.
Thank You, God, for the confidence You give us. We don’t have to worry. Help us to trust You.