SERMON RECAP: 01/18/26
In Part 2 of the “Getting Ready” series, Pastor Williams used Joshua, Chapter 2 to show us that long before Israel ever stepped into Jericho, God was already moving behind the scenes: preparing hearts, growing faith, and positioning people for His redemptive work.
The spies discovered that the people of Jericho had already heard what God had done for Israel. Rahab testified, “For we have heard…” and “Our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone” (Joshua 2:10–11). This reveals a powerful truth: God prepares hearts before He opens doors. He was preparing, ensuring, and convincing them that He alone is God in heaven and on earth.
As the spies listened, they saw faith beginning to grow. Their faith was altered and increased as anticipation, expectation, and assurance took root (Joshua 2:12–14). Pastor reminded us that everyone lives by faith (either faith in God or faith in something else) and that faith is only as strong as its object. When our faith rests in God, it becomes secure and transformative.
Finally, Pastor Williams emphasized that faith never stays private. Their faith affected others as Rahab chose to follow God and influence her family toward salvation (Joshua 2:15–21). Where God is already working, He invites us to join Him and impact others. By the time the spies returned, they declared that all hearts were completely convinced that God would give Israel the land (Joshua 2:22–24), sealed by the scarlet cord, a symbol of redemption and deliverance.
Journal Reflection Questions
- Where have I seen God already moving in my life before I recognized it?
How might He be preparing hearts and circumstances right now for what He is about to do? - What is my faith currently resting in God or something else?
How does that choice affect my anticipation, expectation, and assurance? - Who might God be inviting me to influence through my faith?
How can my obedience help others “get ready to see” what God wants to do in their lives?
