On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and moon, over the valley of Aijalon.”
And the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on its enemies. Isn’t this written in the book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed its setting almost a full day.   Joshua 10:12-13 HCSB

This historical narrative of the day the sun stood still is a wonderful illustration of how God fights for us. It shows a beautiful collaboration between God and the Israelite army. But let’s look at how all this got started.

The Israelites were conned by the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites heard the Israelites were coming through and destroying cities and all their inhabitants as per the Lord’s instruction. So they decided to pretend to be from far off and make peace with the Israelites. They convinced the Israelites to enter into a covenant with them. This covenant was binding because it was an oath sworn before the Lord.

They couldn’t get out of the covenant. They couldn’t destroy the Gibeonites and take their land, so they made the Gibeonites their servants. This angered some of the other kings in the land. They decided to attack the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites cried to Israel for help and the battle was on.

Now the Israelites got snookered because they did not consult God when the Gibeonites showed up. They did this one on their own and made a mess of things. I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

They are quick to consult God when these kings attack the Gibeonites and God says go ahead and fight them, I’ve got you. The battle begins and they chase these guys and God sends a huge hail storm. The hailstones were so large, it killed many of their enemies. Miraculously, not one Israelite was harmed during this hailstorm.

Then as they continued to fight, Joshua spoke to the Lord and commanded the sun to stand still. God listened to Joshua’s request and gave him the time needed to defeat his enemies.

We are told in Luke 1:37 and Matthew 19:26 that nothing is impossible for God. God can certainly make the sun stand still or stop the earth from rotating or slow it down or do whatever is needed.

We must also remember John 15:5 which tells us apart from God, we can do nothing. The Israelites were riding high after their victory in Jericho. The sin of one man brought them down. But with God’s help they picked back up and had victory again.

When these Gibeonites disguised themselves as weary travelers and wanted to join up with the Israelites, they failed to consult God. We are told in Proverbs 3:5-6 we are to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not rely on our own understanding, we are to acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will make our paths straight. If only the Israelites had done this many problems would have been averted.

But, even though they messed up, God fought for them. He brought the hailstorm and he caused the sun to stand still to bring them victory.

Whatever you may be struggling with today, whether you need more hours in a day or it seems as though the enemy is gaining on you or getting away with it, turn to God. Trust in Him. He’s got this.

Know that with His help there is nothing you can’t accomplish as long as you are in His will. Be obedient and trust in Him. He won’t let you down. Also know that you can accomplish nothing without Him.

Our sin can create a barrier between us and God (Isaiah 59:2). You never want that, trust me. Stay in close relationship with Him and watch and see what He will do for you.

Have a great day!