Unified with Him
“When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.” (Joshua 6:20, NLT)
Earlier this week, while I was at school, I got the urge to look back on our old devotions from when we started Soul Deep. Without realizing it, I read one of the devotions that I wrote exactly a year ago from this week. It was called “The Power We Have in Unity” and I focused on the story of Joshua and the tumbling of the walls of Jericho.
As I read my old devotional, I was so encouraged by it. It was almost like I couldn’t believe that I wrote it. After reading a few, God reminded me that we are still growing into new seasons, and as that happens, it’s important to appreciate where we once were and continue to grow from it.
So today, I want to share what encouraged me so much about that devotional and expand on it in away that can continue to apply to us. If you need a refresher or are new to Soul Deep, I encourage you to see the devo that inspired this one!
A year ago, I talked about how the unwavering faith of Joshua and his men brought them victory and triumph in a time of trial. Through this story, we get to see how unity in Christ makes us a stronger whole, and how much we can shame the enemy when we put our stress, worry, and anxiety in the hands of the one and only Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior.
Just take a quick peek at this except from last year’s devo: “So these men have been sent on a mission by and for God, they get this crazy set of instructions, and they don’t even question the means, nor the outcome. Talk about faith, talk about trust, talk about the power of God! They embarked on this mission, not completely understanding the purpose of these commands, but understanding that they are doing it to glorify God. They followed His commands faithfully, without question and with hearts on fire for who God is, having complete faith in His abilities.”
See? It’s just crazy how God literally uses everything in our lives to speak to us. When I read this it just reminded me of the relentless love we need to have for God and can have for Him. With school and work starting back up and acclimating to new schedules, I am sure most of us have maybe felt a disconnect in our walk with God or just need a reset to realign our priorities with Him... at least I know that’s where I’ve been at. This just reminded me that I am a champion for Christ, and with all that I face everyday, He is ready to use me.
But let’s take this a step further. In this story, all the men marching around the walls of Jericho were unified with one another. Yet, before they were unified with one another, they were all individually united with the Lord.
If you want to see change in your life– if you want to experience an unquenchable satisfaction and passion for God– if you want to be the best version of yourself that you can be, you need to be 100% united with your Savior. The One who redeemed your life and your story.
Whether you realize it or not, there is not one misstep God doesn’t see. There is not one tear He isn’t there to dry and not one heartache He isn’t comforting you through. He has always been there and He always will be. Do you want to overcome? Do you want to stand in victory? Do you want to feel bigger than your problems for the first time in your life? It’s time to be all in and fight for the one thing that actually matters: the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for you and me to live a life forgiven.
Reading that past devo just reminded me that there are no limits to the love of God. He is behind us, giving us the power and encouragement we need to conquer each and everyday. We need to walk in His purpose and not our own desires. God is ready to use you today, to encourage you or someone else. Let Him do His work and be a witness to the power in being united with the Lover of your Soul.
1 Peter 1:7-9 says, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (NLT)
There is so much God is going to produce through your story, so many great people and leaders he is going to place in your life. Pray through today’s trials and give God all you have. Detox in His Spirit and let Him lead and teach you.
You are nothing ordinary. You are a child of God. You loved and adored more than any earthly being could comprehend. Don’t lose sight of that. You’ve got this and He’s got you!
