Trusting God's Plan Amidst Uncertainty and Change

Summary

As we gathered today, we found ourselves at a crossroads—both as a church family facing leadership transition and as a nation reflecting on freedom and the cost at which it comes. In this moment, we looked back 3,500 years to the banks of the Jordan River, where the people of Israel stood on the edge of promise and uncertainty. Moses was gone, Joshua was called to lead, and the people faced battles ahead. Yet, God’s faithfulness and sovereignty were as sure then as they are now.

God always has a plan. Even when the journey is delayed by our own disobedience or the circumstances seem insurmountable, His purposes remain. The Israelites’ 11-day journey became 40 years, not because God failed, but because they struggled to trust and obey. Still, God provided daily miracles—manna from heaven, pillars of cloud and fire, and the very breath in their bodies. We, too, are surrounded by daily miracles, often overlooked, that testify to God’s ongoing provision and care.

God’s plans often unfold through unexpected people and means. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, became a pivotal figure in Israel’s story—not because of her past, but because of her faith. Her act of courage and trust in the God of Israel not only saved her family but wove her into the very lineage of Jesus. This reminds us that God delights in using unlikely people and unconventional methods to accomplish His purposes. Every relationship and encounter in our lives may be a thread in God’s redemptive tapestry.

The battle for Jericho was won not by military might, but by obedience to God’s unusual instructions. The Israelites marched, carried reminders of their failures and God’s mercy in the Ark, and watched as God brought the walls down. The scarlet cord in Rahab’s window pointed to a greater redemption—the blood of Christ that secures our hope and victory.

In our own battles—whether personal, relational, or spiritual—God calls us to be strong and courageous, to stay faithful to His Word, to persevere in the fight, and to trust and obey. The victory is already won in Christ. When we reach the end of ourselves, we find the beginning of God’s power. The battle belongs to the Lord, and He is the God of the impossible.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Plan Is Unstoppable, Even When We Falter
God’s purposes are never thwarted by our failures or delays. The Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land was prolonged by their disobedience, yet God’s plan remained intact, and His daily provision never ceased. Even in our own seasons of wandering or waiting, we can trust that God’s plan for us is still unfolding, and His faithfulness is unwavering. [39:36]

- God Uses the Unexpected to Accomplish the Extraordinary
Rahab’s story is a powerful reminder that God often chooses the least likely people to play pivotal roles in His redemptive work. Her faith, not her past, defined her future and placed her in the lineage of Christ. We should never underestimate whom God might use in our lives—or how He might use us in the lives of others—to bring about His purposes. [47:23]

- Obedience Precedes Victory, Even When God’s Ways Seem Strange
The Israelites’ victory at Jericho came through obedience to a battle plan that defied human logic. Marching in silence, carrying the Ark, and shouting at God’s command required trust in God’s wisdom over their own. True breakthrough often comes when we are willing to follow God’s lead, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. [53:28]

- Our Failures Are Covered by God’s Mercy
The Ark of the Covenant carried reminders of Israel’s failures, yet all were placed beneath the mercy seat—a symbol of God’s grace. In Christ, our past mistakes are covered by His mercy, and we walk in the freedom of His forgiveness. We are called to remember our dependence on grace, not to be defined by our shortcomings. [55:41]

- Perseverance and Trust Are Essential in the Journey of Faith
God calls us to be strong and courageous, to stay faithful to His Word, and to remain in the battle even when we feel weary or discouraged. The victory is already secured in Christ, but we must not give up before the breakthrough comes. When we trust and obey, we discover that God is able to do the impossible and bring down the walls in our lives. [01:07:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:23] - Honoring Veterans and Freedom
[35:16] - Embracing Change and New Leadership
[36:27] - Israel on the Edge of the Promised Land
[38:30] - God’s Plan and Promise to Joshua
[39:36] - Lessons from Israel’s Wilderness Journey
[41:05] - Everyday Miracles and Gratitude
[44:41] - Rahab: An Unexpected Hero
[47:23] - Rahab’s Faith and God’s Mercy
[50:33] - God’s Unconventional Methods
[53:28] - The Battle Plan for Jericho
[55:41] - The Ark of the Covenant and God’s Mercy
[58:06] - The Fall of Jericho and Rahab’s Salvation
[01:01:18] - Rahab in the Lineage of Christ
[01:03:12] - The Scarlet Cord of Redemption
[01:05:00] - God’s Expectations: Strength and Courage
[01:07:07] - Perseverance in the Battle
[01:10:37] - Trusting the God of the Impossible
[01:12:07] - Invitation and Response

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Joshua 1:1-9 (God commissions Joshua and promises His presence)
- Joshua 2:1-21 (Rahab’s faith and the scarlet cord)
- Joshua 6:1-25 (The fall of Jericho and Rahab’s rescue)
- Hebrews 11:30-31 (Rahab’s faith commended)

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### Observation Questions

1. What specific promises did God make to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land? (Joshua 1:1-9)
2. How did Rahab respond to the Israelite spies, and what did she ask in return for her help? (Joshua 2:8-13)
3. What was unusual about God’s instructions for conquering Jericho, and how did the Israelites carry them out? (Joshua 6:2-5; [53:28])
4. According to the sermon, what items were inside the Ark of the Covenant, and what did they represent? ([55:41])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God chose to use Rahab—a Canaanite prostitute—to play such a key role in Israel’s story? What does this reveal about God’s character? ([47:23])
2. The Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land took 40 years instead of 11 days. What does this delay teach us about the consequences of disobedience and God’s patience? ([39:36])
3. The battle plan for Jericho seemed illogical from a human perspective. What might God have been teaching Israel (and us) through these unconventional instructions? ([53:28])
4. The Ark of the Covenant carried reminders of Israel’s failures, but they were placed under the mercy seat. What does this symbolize about how God deals with our past mistakes? ([55:41])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon mentioned that God’s plan is unstoppable, even when we falter. Can you think of a time in your life when you felt like you had messed up God’s plan, but He still provided or redirected you? How did you see His faithfulness? ([39:36])
2. Rahab’s faith, not her past, defined her future. Are there people in your life (including yourself) whom you tend to write off because of their past? How might God want to use them—or you—in unexpected ways? ([47:23])
3. The Israelites had to obey God’s strange instructions to see victory. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that doesn’t make sense to you? What would it look like to trust and obey in that area? ([53:28])
4. The Ark of the Covenant was a reminder that our failures are covered by God’s mercy. Do you struggle to believe that your past is truly forgiven? How can you remind yourself to live in the freedom of God’s grace? ([55:41])
5. The sermon challenged us to “stay in the battle” and not give up before the breakthrough comes. Is there a battle in your life where you feel weary or discouraged? What would perseverance look like for you this week? ([01:07:07])
6. The scarlet cord in Rahab’s window pointed to the greater redemption found in Christ. How does remembering the cross help you face your own battles and uncertainties? ([01:03:12])
7. The Israelites were told repeatedly to “be strong and courageous.” What is one practical way you can choose courage and faithfulness in your current circumstances? ([01:05:00])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust His plan, obey His Word, and find courage and hope in Christ, no matter what battles they face.

Devotional

Day 1: God Always Has a Plan and Is With Us
No matter the circumstances, God always has a plan for your life, and He promises to be with you every step of the way. Even when the Israelites wandered for forty years due to their disobedience, God continued to provide for them daily, showing His faithfulness through miracles like manna from heaven and the pillars of cloud and fire. In the same way, God’s plans for you are not derailed by your failures; His presence and provision remain constant, inviting you to trust Him and follow His lead. Take time today to reflect on the everyday miracles in your life and remember that God’s plan is unfolding, even when you can’t see it. [38:30]

Joshua 1:2, 5 (ESV)
“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel… No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust that God’s plan is still at work, even if you can’t see the outcome yet?


Day 2: God Uses Unexpected People for His Purposes
God often chooses the most unlikely people to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who sheltered the Israelite spies and professed faith in the God of Israel. Despite her background and lack of knowledge of God’s law, Rahab’s faith led to her salvation and inclusion in the lineage of Jesus. This reminds us that God can use anyone—regardless of their past or status—to bring about His plans, and He may use you or someone unexpected in your life to reveal His truth and grace. [48:47]

Hebrews 11:30-31 (ESV)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”

Reflection: Who is someone unexpected in your life that God might be using to speak truth or encouragement to you right now—and how can you be open to receiving it?


Day 3: The Battle Belongs to the Lord
When facing overwhelming obstacles, remember that the battle is not yours to fight alone; God is the one who brings victory in ways you may never expect. The Israelites’ conquest of Jericho was not won by military might, but by obedience to God’s unusual instructions—marching, silence, and a shout of faith. Their faith grew with each lap around the city, and God’s power brought the walls down. In your own battles, trust that God’s methods may be different from your own, but His victory is sure. [58:06]

Joshua 6:15-16, 20 (ESV)
“On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, ‘Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.’… So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.”

Reflection: What is one “battle” you are facing where you need to surrender your own strategies and trust God’s way, even if it doesn’t make sense?


Day 4: Be Strong, Courageous, and Faithful to God’s Word
God calls His people to be strong and courageous, not because life will be easy, but because He is with us and His Word is our guide. Joshua was told repeatedly to be strong and courageous and to meditate on God’s law day and night, living it out faithfully. In a world that often feels uncertain or even hostile, your strength and courage come from God’s presence and your commitment to His Word. Don’t give up when things get tough—stay in the battle, keep trusting, and let God’s promises anchor your soul. [01:07:07]

Joshua 1:7-9 (ESV)
“Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can meditate on and live out God’s Word today, especially in an area where you feel afraid or uncertain?


Day 5: The Scarlet Cord of Redemption—Trust and Obey
The scarlet cord in Rahab’s window is a powerful symbol of God’s redeeming grace, pointing forward to the blood of Jesus that saves and restores us. No matter your past or present struggles, God’s mercy covers your failures and invites you to trust and obey Him. Like Rahab, your faith and obedience can have a ripple effect far beyond what you imagine, impacting generations. When you feel overwhelmed or unworthy, hold on to the hope of Christ’s redemption and let His love move you to trust and obey, knowing the battle is already won. [01:03:12]

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you need to let go of shame or fear and simply trust and obey God, believing that His grace is enough for you?

Quotes

And all this while, we're traveling through space at a speed of 66,627 miles per hour around that sun, while at the same time spinning on our axis at 1,037 miles per hour. And all of this is happening right now as your heart is pumping blood through your body. And we're not in the middle of a miracle? Come on, y'all. There's miracles all around us, isn't there? [00:43:18] (00:00:24 seconds)  #MiraclesAllAroundUs Edit Clip

But sin and disobedience disrupted God's plan with the Israelites. And so because of their sin and disobedience, that plan got disrupted. By the way, it will disrupt God's plan for your life as well. But one thing you can always expect, God has a plan. So run from sin and follow hard after that plan. [00:44:18] (00:00:23 seconds)  #SinDisruptsDivinePlan Edit Clip

And I just have to tell you before we go to the next point that remember in your journey that sometimes God will bring people into your life that you never could have imagined or expected. And he will use them to speak truth into your life, be a blessing to your life, and hey, maybe even save your life. Every encounter, every friendship really matters. Every relationship really matters. [00:50:10] (00:00:23 seconds)  #EveryEncounterMatters Edit Clip

God is consistent in the New Testament and the Old Testament. All right? Now I know that in the New Testament, we look at him as Father God. Sometimes in the Old Testament, he looks more like the Godfather. I get it. But he's the same. And he's very consistent in that anyone who calls on his name for mercy will receive it. [00:59:36] (00:00:19 seconds)  #GodIsConsistentMercy Edit Clip

So when your walls come crumbling down, hold on to the scarlet cord. When you're overcome with fear of facing what seems like an insurmountable problem in your life, hold on to that scarlet cord. And when you are alone and afraid and darkness is all around you, hold on to the scarlet cord because it is the hope of Jesus. [01:03:41] (00:00:21 seconds)  #HoldOnToHope Edit Clip

Jesus did not come from heaven to earth to die on a cross and rise again from the dead to make us comfortable and secure and reach the doors of death safely. He came to make us dangerous to the kingdom of darkness so that we can go in and possess the promise that he's given us. [01:05:14] (00:00:19 seconds)  #DangerousForDarkness Edit Clip

We worship, folks, the God of the impossible. Do you believe that? Where there is no way, he will make a way. So when it seems there's no way around the wall or over the wall or under the wall, trust the God of the impossible. And you know what you'll discover? That those walls will come tumbling down. [01:10:37] (00:00:22 seconds)  #GodOfTheImpossible Edit Clip