SUN AND MOON, HOLD STILL!
«Joshua said to them, «Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight» (Joshua 10:25).
Today’s verse is preceded by Joshua’s prayer asking that the sun might stand still and for the day to be lengthened (see Joshua 10:12, 13). Some say that it is impossible for the rotation of the earth to stop, because it could cause disastrous effects on the planet, on the solar system, and on the entire universe. And yet, God created natural laws, and He can change them for the benefit of one of His children. It was the perfect occasion to demonstrate the Creator’s power over His creation. Those pagan kings worshipped Baal and the goddess Astaroth, and they would have prayed to their gods the sun and the moon asking for protection. The heavenly bodies they trusted in obeyed Joshua’s order, at the direction of the powerful God of Israel.
«Satan seeks to conceal from men the divine agency in the physical world— to keep out of sight the unwearied working of the first great cause. In this miracle all who exalt nature above the God of nature stand rebuked.»—Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 47, p. 509.
Although Joshua had received the promise of success over the five Canaanite kings, he did not just wait for it to be fulfilled. He did his part as though the victory depended only on his army. God expects you to not only believe in His promises, but to do your part in fulfilling them. «The secret of success is the union of divine power with human effort» (ibid). Joshua balanced effort with faith. «The man who commanded, ‘Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon,’ is the man who for hours lay prostrate upon the earth in prayer in the camp of Gilgal. The men of prayer are the men of power.»—Ibid.
Joshua called the principal warriors to come and stand with their feet on the necks of the enemy kings who were now conquered by the Israelite army, making them co-participants of the victory obtained (see Joshua 10:24). Tris was a custom in the East, as a symbol of complete victory, and is still a promise (see Mark 12:36 and 1 Corinthians 15:25). As you are battling today, remember that the heads of your enemies will be crushed, including that of Satan. «The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. ‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen» (Romans 16:20).
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate