Good morning. Today is Friday, August 7th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Joshua 10:12

If someone asked you to name the most unbelievable miracle in the Old Testament, what would come to mind? The Red Sea splitting in two? Manna falling from heaven? Or maybe Joshua 10, when the Bible says the sun stood still for about a full day.

When people read this story, they usually ask, How could the sun stand still?

That’s a good question. But after reading the chapter, I think Joshua wants us to ask a different one.

Why did God do it?

The story begins when five Amorite kings joined together to fight against Gibeon because the people of Gibeon had made peace with Israel. Joshua marched his army all night to help them. Before the battle even started, God told Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you” (Joshua 10:8, NIV).

God had already promised the victory.

Then the battle began, and before the sun ever stood still, the Lord sent large hailstones from heaven. Joshua tells us that more Amorites died from the hail than from Israel’s swords (Joshua 10:11). That’s an easy detail to miss, but it tells us something important.

The Lord was fighting for Israel.

Then Joshua prayed, “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon” (Joshua 10:12). The Bible says the sun delayed going down for about a full day.

Joshua never stops to explain how it happened.

Instead, he tells us why it mattered.

“There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!” (Joshua 10:14).

That’s the point of the miracle.

God had given His word, and He was going to keep it. Nothing was going to stop Him from giving Israel the victory He had promised.

Joshua finishes the chapter by saying it again: “The Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel” (Joshua 10:42).

It’s easy to get caught up in the miracle and miss the message.

Joshua 10 reminds us that the Lord always keeps His word. If He says He will do something, He will do it. The God who rules over the sun is the same God who is faithful to every promise He makes.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, You are all powerful, faithful, and true to every promise.

Confession: Forgive me for doubting Your promises and relying on my own strength.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for always keeping Your word.

Supplication: Help me trust Your promises and walk by faith each day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Well Done” by David Leonard

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God