“And he said to the people, ‘Proceed, and march around the city, and let him who is armed advance before the ark of the Lord.’” — Joshua 6:7
Reflection
Joshua 6:7 takes place right before one of the most famous moments in the Bible—the fall of Jericho. The Israelites, led by Joshua, are finally standing at the edge of the Promised Land after years of wandering in the desert. God gives Joshua specific instructions, and in this verse, Joshua tells the people to move forward, march around the city, and have the armed men lead the way before the ark of the Lord. It might have sounded unusual, even intimidating, but this was God’s plan for victory.
This moment required faith and obedience. Instead of fighting with swords and strength, the Israelites were called to trust God’s strategy, even when it didn’t make logical sense. Imagine being a teenager in that crowd—maybe you’d feel nervous, curious, or even confused. But Joshua’s command was clear: move forward, trust God, and let His presence lead the way. The people’s willingness to follow God’s instructions, even when it seemed odd, is a powerful example of faith in action.
At its core, Joshua 6:7 reminds us that God’s plans are often different from our own. He sees the bigger picture and asks us to trust Him, step by step. Victory didn’t come through the Israelites’ own strength but through their willingness to listen and obey. God honored their faith, and the walls of Jericho came down, showing that when we put our trust in Him—even when it feels risky or uncomfortable—He can do amazing things through us.
Personal Application
As a teenager, you might face challenges that feel as impossible as Jericho’s walls. Maybe it’s dealing with peer pressure, struggling in school, or feeling left out. Like the Israelites, you may not always understand why God asks you to do certain things or go a certain way. But just as God had a plan for His people, He has a purpose for you, too. Sometimes, He calls you to take steps that require courage and faith, even when you don’t see the full picture.
Listening to God often means doing things that are different from what everyone else is doing. It could be choosing kindness when gossip is easier, standing up for someone who’s being bullied, or refusing to compromise your values. When you listen for God’s guidance—through the Bible, prayer, and wise voices in your life—you invite Him to lead you. Like the Israelites, your part is to trust Him enough to move forward, even if you feel unsure or scared.
Courage isn’t about never being afraid; it’s about stepping out anyway because you believe God is with you. Just as the armed men marched ahead of the ark, you can face challenges knowing that God goes before you. Every act of obedience, big or small, is an opportunity for God to show up in your life. Trust that He’s working, even when you can’t see the results right away, and remember that your faith in action can make a difference—not just for you, but for those around you.
Thought-Provoking Questions
- What is one “wall” in your life right now that feels impossible to overcome?
- How do you usually respond when God’s instructions seem confusing or hard to follow?
- Who are the people in your life that help you listen for God’s guidance and encourage you to take steps of faith?
- What’s one step you can take this week to trust God more, even if it feels uncomfortable?
Prayer
God, thank You for reminding me that Your ways are higher than mine. Give me the faith to trust Your plans, even when I don’t understand them. Help me to listen for Your guidance and to be brave enough to take the steps You ask of me. Fill me with courage to face my challenges and to obey You, knowing that You go before me. Use my life to show others Your power and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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