On the Other Side

When Israel faced the towering walls of Jericho, they believed God's words and acted boldly. It required something from them before God’s plans could continue to unfold.

Many years ago, when I was new in ministry, a minister asked me to sit in on a deliverance session. It was an education. The woman was a mature believer, with a solid marriage and a respected position in the church. She confessed to sexual activity with incubus demons. She was ashamed and exhausted, but she asked for help. That moment was one of the greatest demonstrations of courage and humility I have ever seen. She stepped into the light. And God met her there. She was wonderfully delivered, and of course, thankful.

The old hymn says, “The way of the cross leads home.” In my experience, the way of courage and humility isn’t just the way home — it’s the way forward in almost every area of the Christian life.

Successful relationships take bravery and humility. To bring up issues honestly with grace and for the other to respond without defensiveness.  If the issue isn’t resolved, it takes courage and humility to keep loving them until God brings a breakthrough.

To move into new levels of ministry takes courage and humility, because nobody gets it right the first time. To move in the gifts of the Spirit, whether on the street or in the church, also takes courage and humility. To grow and go forward, we all have to do the hard things, as did Jesus.  To fulfil His Father's purpose, He showed God-sized courage and unspeakable humility on the cross, for us.

Friends, as we step into 2025, I’m not predicting the annexation of Greenland, the rise of the Nephilim, the Ezekiel 38 war, or the removal of presidents or pastors.  But I will predict this:  We will need to grow in courage and humility, because every step forward in the Kingdom requires both. If you face a “wall”, be courageous, consider Jesus and take action because God's planned future for you is on the other side of your wall.

Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9