The game is rigged. All hope appears lost. Maybe it’s time for a Hail Mary but would that even work? Maybe we should forfeit? At least it’s better than losing. Just when we’re ready to give up, we win. How? Indeed the battle was rigged – rigged in our favor.
The Story: Joshua 10:1-15
In Joshua 10:1-15, the king of Jerusalem saw how Joshua won against the city of Ai. He feared that the same thing would happen to Jerusalem. Therefore, he convinced four other areas to join him in the battle against Israel at Gibeon. Together, they planned to rig the battle in their favor.
When the massive armies approached Gibeon, the men sent a message to Joshua about what was happening. As a result, Joshua came with his company of warriors. As they prepared for battle, the Lord told them not to fear for He had given them into his hand and none of the enemies would remain. With this knowledge, Joshua attacked the armies at night. God created panic among the five armies and slaughtered many of them. In addition, He created a large hail storm and the majority of them died from it. Then Joshua requested time to stand still so he could vanquish the remaining survivors. As requested, the sun and moon didn’t move until Israel took vengeance on their enemies.
The Lesson
While the five armies thought the battle was theirs, Joshua and Israel actually had the upper hand. The same goes for us. Therefore, the battle becomes rigged in our favor.
Yes, I hear the ones in the back. “You don’t know the battle I’m in. There’s no hope. The enemy has everyone on their side and I’m alone. So how’s the battle rigged in my favor?” The response is we’re both correct. Allow me to demonstrate through Joshua 10:1-15.
- Men of Gibeon called Joshua. The men saw the five armies outnumber them. However, they also knew Joshua destroyed Ai. The men could’ve seen the enemy and quit. Yet faith said, “The battle isn’t over yet.” Like they called for Joshua, who can we call in trouble? The ones we call will either help or hinder us. They will see the possibility or relish in the impossible. The team matters.
- Joshua came with a company. Joshua knew who was with him. As a result, he didn’t fear the enemies. He had his army and he had God. Because Joshua knew who was with him, his confidence soared. He had the men of war and God. Since he believed in God, his mindset was on victory. Therefore, our mindset plays a role in every battle. Proverbs 23:7 confirms that we have what we think.
- God carried the load. God first let Joshua know the outcome before the battle began. He then exacted judgment in a variety of ways. When God’s on our side, He’s handling the case. He’s the secret weapon so the battle is rigged in our favor.
I know we’re tired from the battle. But take heart in the words God gave to Joshua because they apply to us. Joshua 10:8 ~ “Do not fear them because I have given them into your hand; not one of them shall stand before you.” Therefore, it’s rigged in our favor.
