Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation! Today, we are going to delve into a profound passage from the book of Joshua that reveals the omnipresence of God in our trials, the immense power of silence and the ultimate victory that faith brings. As we embark on this journey, I'm reminded of a powerful quote by A.W. Tozer, a respected Christian author, who said, "Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God." This sentiment rings true in our scripture for today, and we will explore how Joshua’s faith in God led to victory.

Let's read our passage together, from Joshua 5:13 through to 6:27 [read text]. This passage tells the story of the Battle of Jericho, where God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city in silence for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout, and the walls of the city would fall. The Israelites obeyed, and through their faith and obedience, they saw the miraculous hand of God.

Now, as we prepare to dive into the depth of these verses, let's bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we explore this passage today, we pray for understanding and revelation. Help us to see your hand in our storms, to appreciate the power of silence and to walk in the victory that our faith in you promises. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

I. God's Presence in the Storm

In the midst of the storm, when the winds of life are howling and the waves of adversity are crashing against us, it's easy to feel alone, abandoned, and forgotten. However, the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho offers a powerful reminder that God is always present in our trials, even when we can't see Him or understand His plan.

The Israelites were facing a formidable city with towering walls. A. To human eyes, the situation seemed impossible. Yet, God was there, orchestrating a plan for victory. He didn't remove the obstacle; instead, He provided a way through it. This is a profound truth about God's presence in our storms. He may not always remove our trials, but He promises to be with us in them, guiding us, strengthening us, and ultimately leading us to victory.

B. God's presence in the storm is also manifested in His guidance. In the Battle of Jericho, God didn't just tell the Israelites to fight; He gave them specific instructions on how to secure their victory. This is a comforting reminder that God doesn't leave us to navigate our storms alone. He provides guidance, wisdom, and direction. He shows us the way, step by step, even when it doesn't make sense to our human understanding.

C. Moreover, God's presence in the storm is revealed in His provision. The Battle of Jericho wasn't won through human strength or strategy; it was won through obedience to God's commands. God provided the victory, just as He provides for us in our trials. He equips us with the strength, courage, and resources we need to face our storms. He ensures that we are never lacking, even in the midst of our trials.

D. Furthermore, God's presence in the storm is demonstrated in His reassurance. Before the Battle of Jericho, God appeared to Joshua as a warrior, assuring him that He was on their side. This divine encounter served to reassure Joshua and fortify his faith. Similarly, God reassures us in our storms. He reminds us of His promises, His faithfulness, and His power. He encourages us to keep going, to keep trusting, and to keep believing, even when the storm is raging.

E. Lastly, God's presence in the storm is evident in His power. The walls of Jericho didn't fall because of the Israelites' shouting; they fell because of God's power. This reminds us that no matter how big our storm, God's power is greater. He can calm the storm, move the mountain, and break down the walls. His power is our assurance that we will overcome, no matter what we're facing.

II. The Power of Silence

The power of silence is a concept that is often overlooked in our fast-paced, noisy world ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO