( Joshua 10:12-14 )      Here is one of the most amazing and powerful prayers recorded in the Bible. Joshua and the fighting men of Israel had begun their military campaign in the conquest of the promised land of Canaan. They had won great victories at Jericho and Ai. The king and the citizens of Gibeon, upon witnessing Israel's victories, determined that the favor of God was upon them and decided not to fight Israel but join them. This greatly disturbed the five kings of the Amorite cities, so they joined together and attacked Gibeon. The people of Gibeon sent word to Joshua for help. Joshua and his army immediately responded and the fierce battle raged on all day long.

      The long struggle was drawing near an end, but as the sun was setting Joshua, "Spoke to the Lord" (v.12). His request was one that no man would normally think of uttering. It was so incredible that it had to be that God had put it into his heart. Even in the Old Testament believers "The Spirit made intercession according to the will of God." What God will give He inclines the hearts of His praying people to ask. Joshua's request was that the "Sun stand still over Gibeon; and Moon in the valley of Aijalon." This was no sooner said than done, " The sun stood still and the moon stopped"(v.13). This allowed Joshua and his army an additional period of daylight to completely destroy their enemies. There was never a day like it before nor has there been one since, in which God put such honor upon faith and prayer (v.14). Think of it, in answer to one man's prayer God litterally altered the entire course of the universe ! Now that is powerful !

        Why would God do this great miracle when the people could have easily have won the battle the next day ? First He put honor on Joshua, who was a type of our "Yeshua"-"Jesus", who has "All power in heaven and in earth." Second He notified the whole world of what He was doing for His people here in Canaan. Thirdly He convinced the idolaters, who worshipped the sun and the moon, that He is above them and controls them.

           Don't be afraid or reluctant to pray what God puts in your heart, no matter how great or even far-fetched it may seem. Allow the Holy Spirit to do His work of "Intercession according to the will of God" through you- that God may be glorified ! "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21). Our Great and Mighty God is ready and able to do great things. He is waiting for His people to ask for He said, "........Concerning the works of My hands, you command Me."(Isa. 45:11b)    Pastor Caldwell