HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?
Joshua, with all Israel bearing witness, called out, asking God to cause the sun and the moon to “stand still” until he defeated the Amorites. And the Lord answered his prayer. With our modern scientific knowledge, we understand the insane nature of Joshua’s request. Joshua didn’t know about gravity, the rotation of the earth, and the motion of the celestial bodies; therefore, he had no idea what a crazy request he had made. Yet, God lengthened the day as Joshua asked. From Joshua’s perspective, and from that of all Israel, the sun appeared to stand still.
Whether we try to interpret this as poetic expression, or attempt to explain the possible ways that God could’ve performed this miracle without breaking the solar system, one truth remains: Joshua’s God was a big God! Joshua actually believed that God could do anything. Joshua may not have known as much as we do about science, but he knew considerably more about God.
I doubt that we would even think to ask God to cause the sun to “stand still.” We try to make things easy on God. We don’t want Him to over-exert Himself. We ask for small things because we have a small view of God. But Joshua’s God was huge!
William Carey, known as the father of modern missions, once said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
What does your prayer life say about your view of God?
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are God Almighty and we believe that all things are possible with You. Forgive us when we doubt Your power. Lord, we believe. Help us with our unbelief. Grow our faith that we might learn to pray kingdom come prayers. In Jesus’ name, amen.