Daily Devotional
"The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh passed over armed before the people of Israel, as Moses had told them. About 40,000 ready for war passed over before the Lord for battle to the plains of Jericho."
Joshua 4:12-13
It would be natural to assume that after God miraculously parted the Jordan River, the Israelites could relax and enjoy the easy life in the Promised Land. Instead, we see 40,000 armed men preparing for battle. The miracle didn’t eliminate the battles – it prepared them for what was coming next.
This is a crucial truth that many Christians struggle to understand. We often interpret God’s miracles as His promise that life will now be easy. When difficulties arise after a breakthrough, we wonder if we’ve done something wrong or if God has abandoned us. But God’s miraculous interventions in our lives aren’t meant to eliminate challenges – they’re meant to prepare us for the new battlegrounds we’ll face.
Yesterday’s miracles become today’s strength for tomorrow’s challenges. When God provides for you financially, He’s not promising you’ll never face financial stress again – He’s building your faith for future financial challenges. When God heals your marriage, He’s not guaranteeing you’ll never face conflict again – He’s strengthening your foundation for the growth and challenges that healthy marriages require.
The Israelites needed the faith-building experience of the Jordan crossing because they were about to face the walls of Jericho. Your past miracles aren’t just pleasant memories – they’re your training ground for whatever God has prepared for you next. Every breakthrough is preparation for the next breakthrough.
Today's Challenge
Think about a time when God delivered you from a difficult situation. How did that experience prepare you for future challenges? What current battle might God be preparing you for through your recent experiences of His faithfulness?
Prayer
Lord, help me understand that Your miracles in my life aren't meant to eliminate all difficulties but to prepare me for what's ahead. Give me the wisdom to see how Your past faithfulness is training me for future challenges. Help me approach new battles with confidence, knowing that You have already equipped me through Your previous deliverances. In Jesus' name, Amen.
