Have you ever felt like you needed more time? If you are a parent or own a home the answer to this question is obvious. Time is something in our society we all need. We all have the same 24 hours every day but often each day can be much different. Some days are filled with more projects than others, and some days may even seem to be quite still. Since COVID-19 came many people instantly had more time and others found out things became busier than ever. It seems that our society struggles to find the right balance with time and rest in all times.
In the Book of Joshua 10:1-14 there is a battle and in the midst of the battle Joshua basically prays for more time. In fact, he literally prays for the Sun to stay up so that Israel can win the battle against their enemy who has come to attack their ally. In fact, the only reason Israel was at this battle is because they had made a treaty with Gideon. Now when the treaty was made Gideon wasn’t completely honest, and yet when they need help Joshua does the right thing and comes to help. The odds were against them as 5 nations attacked but Israel had been made strong by God and was winning. However, Joshua knew they needed more time to diminish the enemy. He needed more light and that is what he boldly prayed when he approached the throne of God.
We have all needed more time to accomplish tasks, but I can’t think of a time in my life when I asked God to keep the sun up to make that happen. This prayer was not only bold, but it was prayed in absolute belief that God was able to step in and do the impossible. What barriers are you facing that you could really use more time and better yet the help of God? Maybe you are winning the battle but you are growing tired and need strength? Or you have gone as far as you are physically able and you need supernatural help? I want to ask you today have you prayed a “bold” prayer yet? Have you asked God to do what is totally impossible? If not, maybe it’s time you trusted in God to do what you cannot accomplish alone. Often as humans when the odds are stacked against us we tend to be fearful instead of faithful.
We see in the chapter that Joshua prayed, believed, and received. The Sun and moon stood still and they completely conquered the enemies attack. Interestingly enough the Bible isn’t the only place where this story is recorded in history. For example, the Greek historian Herodotus (more than 400 years before Christ) wrote that when he visited Egypt, the priests there showed him an ancient manuscript which told the story of a day which lasted about twice as long as a normal day. A French intellectual by the name of Fernand Crombette translated many of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and found that among those hieroglyphics is the story of Joshua’s long day. There is also a Chinese account from an ancient manuscript (now lost) that recounted a period of time during the reign of Emperor Yau (coincides with the days of Joshua), when the sun stood still. Our God is an awesome God who is ready to help us win the battles that we are facing in life. Never forget that God can do the impossible including giving us more time for a victory!
This Sunday at South Side we will unpack this powerful story further as well as it’s applications for our lives today. Worship begins at 10:15, and our Children’s Ministry offers children’s classes for all ages. We are continuing to practice social distancing at our services. If you are unable to attend our online services will be available at 3 on Facebook and our website. We would love to have your family worship with us! For more information visit us on our website at: www.southsidewch.com or on Facebook.
In Christ,
Barry Pettit
Lead Pastor
South Side Church of Christ
www.southsidewch.com
