Achieve victory over the insurmountable wall of obstacles you face
> In our spiritual journey, prayer is the bridge that connects us with the divine, a powerful tool bestowed upon us to communicate with God. Yet, there are times when it feels as though our prayers hit a wall, unable to penetrate through the obstacles that stand in our way. It is during these moments that we must remember the story of Jericho, a tale of faith, perseverance, and the power of God’s intervention when His people commit to Him in prayer and action.
A miraculous victory at Jericho
The story of Jericho is found in Joshua 6:1-27. The Israelites, led by Joshua, were faced with what seemed an insurmountable obstacle: the fortified city of Jericho. God commanded them to march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, to march around seven times, then blow their trumpets, and the walls would fall down. This act of faith and obedience, which may have seemed foolish in the eyes of many, resulted in a miraculous victory. The walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites conquered the city.
Overcoming obstacles through prayer
1. Recognize the Power of Obedience – Just as the Israelites followed God’s specific instructions, we must align our prayers with God’s will. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14). Our obedience to God’s word and His commandments is crucial in overcoming obstacles in prayer.
2. Persistence in Prayer – The Israelites marched around Jericho for seven days before the walls fell. They did not see immediate results, yet they persisted. Similarly, we must “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), trusting that in God’s perfect timing, the walls in our lives will fall. Persistence in prayer demonstrates our faith and trust in God’s promises. Billy Graham said, “Prayer is not just asking. It is listening for God’s orders. It is persistence in keeping our appointment with Him, in spite of a thousand and one competing calls for our attention. We have to fight for our times of prayer.”
3. The Power of United Prayer – The Israelites acted as one under God’s command. When we unite with other believers in prayer, there is tremendous power. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). United prayer can bring down strongholds and pave the way for God’s intervention.
4. Praise Before the Breakthrough – On the seventh day, before the walls fell, the Israelites shouted in victory. We, too, should offer praises to God even before we see the answer to our prayers. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Praise shifts our focus from our obstacles to the omnipotent God who can move mountains.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
The story of Jericho is not just a historical account but a powerful lesson on the efficacy of prayer. Obstacles in prayer are opportunities for us to demonstrate our faith, obedience, persistence, and unity. They teach us to praise God in anticipation of the victory He has promised. As we face our own “Jerichos,” let us remember that no wall is too high or too strong when we approach it with God on our side.
“Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that He will provide the help we need.”
John Piper
The power of mustard seed-sized faith
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Though mountains of obstacles may loom over us, blocking our view of God’s promises. Financial strains, wayward children, unstable health, broken relationships. These issues and more cause us to stumble in our faith, struggling to believe that God hears and answers prayer.
Yet Jesus tells us that faith, even tiny, mustard seed-sized faith, empowers prayer to move mountains. Through prayer and faith, the seemingly immovable can be shifted from blocking our blessing to making way for God’s glory. What’s more important than the size of your faith is in whom you are placing your trust. Is it in the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who promises never to leave you nor forsake you? (Hebrews 13:5)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6)
“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.”
Charles Spurgeon
Conclusion
Facing obstacles in prayer can feel daunting, yet Scripture provides us with countless examples of God’s faithfulness in overcoming such barriers. Whether it’s through the faith as small as a mustard seed, persistent prayer, or united praise, we are reminded that nothing is impossible with God. As we approach Him with our challenges, let us hold onto the promise that He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
May we be encouraged to persist in prayer, bolster our faith, and join together in anticipation of the mighty ways God will move in our lives. Let us climb over the walls of Jericho in our lives, trusting that with God, we will see our mountains move and our paths made clear.
Further Help
The following gives many Bible verses About overcoming obstacles.
