Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

Joshua 5:13-14

Joshua was near Jericho, perhaps contemplating a strategy to take down the stronghold. According to Scripture, he saw a man with his sword drawn. Once the man identified himself, Joshua fell face down on the ground.

At the point when Joshua recognized the Commander of the army of the Lord, he relinquished his “good ideas” and strategies to take Jericho and submitted to God’s. (v.14)

Although Joshua may have thought God’s plan was a foolish way to conquer Jericho, he followed the Lord’s instruction to march around the city for six days with all the armed men. On the seventh day, he was told to march around the city seven times. Then, when the priests blew the trumpets, the people were told to shout, and the walls of the city would fall. God’s plans may seem foolish or impossible according to our human reasoning, but His plans always work.

What about you? Are you facing strongholds – fortified places in your life where the enemy has held you captive? Are you like Joshua, contemplating a strategy to take down the stronghold? The Lord is standing by with His sword drawn and His plan to deliver you. Seek His plan and you will have success. It may seem like an impossible task, but He is the Deliverer and He came to set the captives free.

Heavenly Father,

I have been in bondage to (name the stronghold) for years. I have tried over and over again set myself free, and I realize that this is a God-sized task. I surrender to Your plans and trust You to give me Your plan of deliverance.

In Jesus’ name, Amen