God calls us to step out in faith and trust him when he asks us to do something that shouldn’t work. I’ve found that it can be difficult for my stubborn heart to believe God is going to work through such impossible situations. However, if you serve in leadership, then convincing yourself is only half the battle. Even when I get to the point where I reluctantly agree, now I must convince others to follow as well.

It was his first major battle as the new leader. He would have to stand before the people and tell them the plan. Filling Moses’ shoes as the leader of Israel would be a difficult task for anyone, and Joshua was about to face a major test. How would he lead the people to defeat the fortified city of Jericho? What are his plans to breach these seemingly impenetrable walls?

The people’s eyes are fixed on Joshua as they await his plan. Surely, God had given him a brilliant idea and they’ll see another “Red Sea” kind of miracle. He clears his throat and announces to the people: “We are going to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, after we march, we’ll blow the trumpets then scream.”

“Ok, then what?”

“That’s it.”

“Umm, Joshua, are you sure this is the best plan?”

Imagine Gideon meeting with his leaders. Their army of 22,000 was greatly outmatched by the Midian army of 135,000, but they still held to a desperate hope. Gideon looks at them with a straight face, “we have too many men.”

“What?”

“Yea, tell all those who are scared they can go home.”

After 12,000 return home, only 10,000 are left to fight against the much larger Midian army. “Ok, Gideon, what’s our plan now? We are outnumbered 13 to 1, so I hope your plan is good.”

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