Outrageous Prayer

“The sun stood still, and the moon stopped…there has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.”

—Joshua 10:13-14 

In one of the most decisive battles of the Israelites conquest of Canaan, Joshua had to march his army all night. Uphill. When Joshua’s exhausted men reached their destination, they launched a surprise attack on one of the ancient world’s strongest armies. As the battle waged on, Joshua realized if darkness fell, their enemy would escape and regroup. If he had to face this army at the disadvantage, the Israelites might not win. So in a bold move, Joshua stood before his troops and prayed for the sun to stand still. And it did. For a full day the sun stopped in the middle of the sky. Daylight lasted until victory could be secured.

Joshua’s prayer seems an outrageous request. But Joshua had seen God part waters, feed people in the desert, and knock down thick walls with a trumpet blast. So when Joshua needed a few extra hours of daylight, he believed this wasn’t a request too big for his faithful and powerful God. He trusted God to do what would be best for Israel.

If you want something far beyond your ability, but are too afraid to ask, dare to look back at your own history. Has God provided when it seemed impossible? Let these small evidences of His power give you courage to ask for the outrageous.

Today’s One Thing

No request is too outrageous for our faithful and powerful God. Dare to ask for the degree, the job, the financial relief, the healing of a loved one. Trust God to do what is best for you.

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