April 24, 2025 I’ve Already Given to You…
Thursday, April 24, 2025
I’ve Already Given to You…
God spoke to Joshua,
“Look sharp now. I’ve already given Jericho to you,
along with its king and its elite forces.
Here’s what you need to do:…”
Joshua 6:2, Message
My hip replacement and physical therapy journey began coincidentally during Lent this year. It’s been one of those canyon-transforming periods — emptying, reshaping, and refilling. Let me explain…
After eight years of limping and grimacing with growing hip pain, I approached my doctor for relief. One x-ray later landed me in front of an orthopedic surgeon who simply stated, “Here’s what you need to do…hip replacement is your only answer. You will do well, but it’s a lot to think about. So, take time and digest what I’m saying. Let me know when you’re ready.”
I wrestled with the reality, prayed, and laid my fears before my husband and a few trusted friends and family. In the quiet, the Spirit pressed a certainty deep within me: “I’ve already given you Jericho.” Victory wasn’t a distant hope—it stood before me, waiting for my decision to go forward.
This wasn’t my first Jericho.
Doubt whispered when a pastor asked me to lead a Disciple 1 Bible study. Not enough time. Not enough experience. Not enough knowledge. Yet, nine months later, 22 of the 24 who started the course with me crossed the finish line, transformed. Before the first class met, God had secured the outcome—I simply needed to obey.
The career shift from social worker in health care to operational leader in finance seemed reckless, absurd even. Thinking it a temporary, transitional step, I thrived there for 22 years in one leadership role or another, surpassing even my boss’s expectations as an outsider who did not “grow up” in that business. I didn’t engineer that success either. God had. He handed me Jericho before I even started the new job.
When God is in it, victory is never in question. When He hands us an assignment—expected or not—we can empty ourselves of doubts, debates, and hesitations to fill ourselves with His promise that the outcome is already secured. Walls will eventually crumble. Jericho is ours.
Granted, the path may stretch long, longer than anticipated or hoped. The journey may demand patience, endurance, and an unconventional approach. But when God calls us forward, we can move—assured, emboldened, confident.
Because He has already given us our Jericho.
Reflect: How has God already provided for you in past challenges that seemed insurmountable?
What “Jericho” are you currently facing that feels overwhelming or impossible? What steps can you take today to walk in obedience toward the victory God has already secured for you?
Pray: Lord, You are the God of victories already won. When I stand before challenges that seem too great, remind me that You have already gone before me. Strengthen my faith, embolden my steps, and silence my doubts. May I walk forward with confidence, knowing that You have already given me Jericho. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader