It's not your Battle

Read Joshua 10.

Allied local kings decided to make war against the Gibeonites because of their peace pact with Israel.  The Gibeonites in turn called to Joshua for help.  Note that this time Joshua first received God's go ahead and encouragement (v.8).

As the battle ensued and the five kings fled, the army of Israel kept pursuing them due west until they literally divided the land of Canaan in two.  The descriptions of war as kings, peoples and cities were destroyed are brutal.  Not one of the enemies was left alive.

Only a sick mind, or a demonically influenced person, would relish the slaughter of men, women and children.  But this was not by the choosing of Israel, nor the ego of Joshua.  These plans were God's all along.  These people groups worshipped self-made gods and were renowned for their immorality.  When they heard of God's power and might, they rejected Him, depending instead on their own beliefs to save them, and chose to make war against God's people.

Upon their rejection, the LORD hardened the hearts of the Canaanites.  The LORD gave Joshua the battle plans.  The LORD even gave Joshua extra time in the day in chapter 10 to fulfill His will against these enemies.  It was the LORD who empowered and gave Israel the victories.  It was His battle and His glory that would be revealed.

For Israel, the war became difficult.  Joshua was encouraged by Moses in Deuteronomy and then directly by God in the first chapter to be strong and courageous.  He would need every bit of it to make these tough calls.  See how Joshua used those same words to encourage his troops in verse 25.  They had to be obedient to go, they had to be bold to fight, and they had to careful to do all that God commanded.

Facing the hard issues and obeying what God has made clear is the substance of character.  As seen with Joshua, it is not a one and done solution.  Every day brings new challenges with new opportunities for the LORD to use us in powerful ways.  We cannot not do what is right without Him.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)