Ordinary People – Extraordinary Victories

“By faith, Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” Hebrews 11:31

Sometimes God uses unlikely people to do the most amazing things. Rahab, a harlot, living in Jericho, showed extraordinary faith in God to Joshua’s spies who came to scope out the land God had given them.

The people of Jericho heard all about the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and how God parted the Red Sea.

“When we heard it,” she told the spies, “our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you.”

Then she showed them her faith. “For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

Whatever courage she lost, she regained when she believed and trusted in God who revealed Himself to her. At great peril to herself and her family she fixed her eyes on the God who knew her. The God who cleansed her and healed her.

The spies told her to tie a scarlet chord out her window and gather all her family in her house. “When we come to take the land,” they promised her. “if we see the scarlet chord in your window you and all your family will live.” She obeyed their command and she and all her household were spared.

Like Rahab, when we become aware of God’s promises it changes everything. Because of her new-found extraordinary faith, Rahab knew God would save her. She displayed unconditional confidence in God? and believed He was a God who kept His promises.

We can have the same faith Rahab had if we will trust God and His promises, simply on the basis that He said them.

Footnote: God blessed Rahab for her faith in a mighty way. We read in Jesus’ lineage in Matthew that Rahab was the father of Boaz in the royal lineage of David.

PRAYER: Father, give us extraordinary faith like Rahab’s. Even in the most painful, pitiful circumstances, we want to trust you regardless of the outcome. We want that unconditional confidence in what You say, simply because You say it. Give us that confidence today, Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.