Learning From Rahab

Trust in Troubling Times

 

Hebrews 11: 31 “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”

 

The story of Rahab is another great reminder that God works his plan in surprising ways.  If you read her story in Joshua two, you discover that she had great faith that God was going to bring victory to Israel.  She says that the people of Jericho had heard all about the crossing of the Red Sea, and the defeat of Sihon and Og, and that because of this they knew that God was going to give his people the Promised Land.  This is so remarkable because Rahab expresses more faith than God’s people have been doing!  The events she refers to occurred more than forty years before!  The generation of God’s people who experienced these miracles firsthand did not trust in their LORD, so he destroyed them in the wilderness.  They did not trust but Rahab believed! 

 

Isn’t it remarkable that the truth of God’s power survived the failure of his people?  God’s people are always imperfect, and sometimes they fail miserably.  We often groan thinking of all the damage done to God’s kingdom.  But, isn’t it wonderful to know that God is still working his plan!  We ought not give up.  We should have faith that he will still keep his promises.  Let us not allow Rahab to have more faith than us!  God is grieved when we are people of little faith. 

 

Listen how Rahab expressed her faith: “…for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”  (Joshua 2:11)  She knew that God could and would accomplish his will.  The mighty walls of Jericho did not deter him.   She said this as she stood in her house in the walls.  She knew that God was bigger than Jericho.  We must learn a lesson from this Canaanite prostitute.   Trust in God no matter what else is going on.  As we go through these troubling times let’s keep our trust in the LORD! 

 

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

who made heaven and earth,

the sea, and all that is in them,

who keeps faith forever;

 who executes justice for the oppressed,

who gives food to the hungry.

 

Psalm 146:5-7