Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.

As we leave Gilgal and walk further into the land we see a great city and the supposed strength because of the massiveness of its size. The gates are shut that none may enter, or leave. Joshua and the nation now have to be patient the first test of real obedience for them as they are instructed to march round bout the city. I look back on my life and remember when I was first saved, I took those steps forward rejoicing in what Jesus Christ did in my life. When I left the church house on Sunday after preaching then there was the ever present "world", those that once knew me before I was saved, they were ever like the city of Jericho. They were a challenge because of the mockery, the looks, and the whisperings. However, they also shut up their gates, that they wouldn't talk with me, or let me talk to them, they were shut up. This didn't offend me because its not what they were doing that I was interested in, it's because I wanted to share the gospel with them. They were filled with pride, and rested in the comforts of their sins, they were fearful because of the change in my life, that they might, just like me really be tired of living in sin. Like the children of Israel I had to learn patience and the leading of the Lord. I continued in my Christian walk, and then one day one of them opened up, his walls came tumbling down, he wanted to know more. That is the glorious feeling I believe the children of Israel felt when they shouted and those massive walls came tumbling down. They were able to defeat that reality that was right in front of them, however at this time it wasn't with weapons, but with patience and the direction of the Lord. Friend I hope that this is an encouragement today, just be still and wait on the Lord, whatever temptation there is, God has made a way of escape. Whatever problem may arise there is a God in heaven that knows your need. If there is an issue of the heart, then let your walls fall, and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins that you may have eternal life.