A long, crazy wait

I did something yesterday I've never done before...I read a book from cover to cover in one day. It's called Unashamed by Francine Rivers. It's a historical novel of sorts, about Rahab, how God used a woman with a past and gave her a future. A wonderful story of faith. But there is another story within this story, a crazy wait. The Israelites were anxious to see God's promise fulfilled and take the promised land of Jericho. Rahab was anxious to receive God's promise of deliverance from her old life and from the Israelites' attack on Jericho. On the day they arrived at Jericho, what does God do but make them wait, and instead of attacking, God asked them to do the craziest thing...to circle the town wall in silence. To do that once a day for 6 days, then on the 7th day, circle the town wall in silence 7 times, then they shout.

Ok, this is probably the weirdest battle plan ever devised. The book expounds on this with the Israelites' impatience, condemnation by the town folk, and Rahab's unwavering hope. I'm glad God included this story in His Word. For me, when I get impatient at this long, crazy wait...when I feel like telling God a thing or two (as if He doesn't already know what I'm thinking)...I can live in the truth of the hope that God WILL fulfill His promise. If God's battle cry was shouting, I can't wait to see how He will fulfill His promise to us!

By the way, we had a wonderful (though short) visit with Jane Bishop today at church. Jane was in town for the Arizona Convention's ACE Conference (similar to Hawaii's Equipping God's People Conference) and she visited First Southern Scottsdale's Sunday School and worship service. Jane is from North American Mission Board and she has been the featured speaker at our Wives in Ministry Conference for many years now, and she is a treasured friend and prayer warrior. What a God-thing to send Jane to Phoenix while we're here!

Hiding in the depth of His love,
Debbie