Joshua and the people were outside Jericho. The city was locked up tight. In verse 2 we read: “Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.’” God had decided. It was settled. It was a done deal.

But what would Joshua see if he looked over at the city at that time? He would see its strong walls. He would see its locked-up gates. And he would know that the king and his fighting men were armed and ready. What he needed to do was to see with the eyes of faith that God would indeed come through. The city would be defeated and destroyed as God had decided.

He and the people also needed some patience. They needed to follow instructions to march around the city and to keep quiet while they were doing it. They needed to do that day after day until the day came. They needed to wait on God’s timing.

We need to do the same. We know the riches of God’s promises — especially in regard to Jesus’ second coming. We need to see with the eyes of faith that all that God has promised is as good as done. The song “In His Time” written by Diane Ball says it beautifully: “In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me every day as You’re teaching me Your way, that You do just what you say in your time.”

Lord, give me eyes of faith. Help me to wait patiently as I trust in you!

Mary Roller

Extended Scripture: Joshua 5–6