Scripture Reading: Joshua 6:17–20

Introduction

A. Any worthwhile project comes with bouts of discouragement, which is why God spoke words of encouragement to Joshua when he took over for Moses (Joshua 1:5–9).

B. There are times, however, when walls crumble and mountains move. What are we to do then?

Discussion

I. When walls crumble, we should know we haven’t done it ourselves.

A. The walls of Jericho did not fall because of what Israel did (Deuteronomy 9:1; Joshua 6:16).

B. Unexplainable success has often been the result of divine aid (Exodus 14:31; Judges 7:1–7; 2 Kings 19:32–36).

C. When walls crumble, we must give God the glory due Him (Exodus 15; Joshua 6:17; Malachi 3:8–9).

II. When walls crumble, we must realize that we are not finished.

A. When Israel took Jericho, they moved on to Ai (Joshua 7:2; cf. Joshua 13; Judges 1–2).

B. Paul didn’t count his work finished until the very end (Philippians 3:13–14; 2 Timothy 4:6–8).

III. When walls crumble, we must build something better.

A. When Jericho was destroyed, God said it should never be rebuilt (Joshua 6:26; cf. 1 Kings 16:34).

B. When we toss the devil out of our lives, we must replace him with something greater (Luke 11:24–26; Ephesians 4:17–24).

Conclusion

A. When walls remain standing, sometimes we may be responsible.

B. We may grow discouraged at times, but we can’t give up before God tells us to (Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58).