Joshua 1: 8-11

These are the words that Rahab, a resident of the city of Jericho, said to the Israelite spies a few days before this fortified city was invaded and captured by Israel.

."I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

The people of Jericho knew about the incredible things God had done. Like drying up the water of the Red Sea so that they could walk through and escape the Egyptian army that was in hot pursuit. They also knew that God had helped Israel to trounce the armies of Sihon and Og who picked a fight with them on their journey. Jericho was "melting in fear"!

For Israel the battle was as good as won! In any kind of contest your opinion of your opponent makes a big difference! For example, in a football match, if you are petrified that you will get thrashed by your opponents, chances are, you probably will!

Yet during all these things that Rahab talked about, the Israelites probably had a different point of view on the whole thing. I'm sure that faced with the crack fighting forces of Sihon and Og many may have been scared and wondered why God had led them this way. When they were trapped with the Red Sea on one side and the Egyptians on the other the people cried out to God "Why did you bring us here?". At the time they did not know why these things happened, but now they could see that God had done this for a reason. News of these things had got to Jericho. Instead of facing a confident, fearless army the Israelites were now up against a people who were scared stiff and terrified by what was about to happen to them.

When you are going through a tough time often you ask God, "Why am I going through this? Surely there's an easier way?". But God does have a reason for taking you through difficult times. You may not realise why for a long time but you can be certain that if God has led you here he does have a reason!