Joel M Bradshaw

7And Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord GOD, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to give us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us?–Joshua 7

The victory at Jericho is unique in all of world history. It was the highest of highs. And to now face defeat against such a small force. It was now the lowest of lows.

Joshua’s question makes sense to our understanding. Why would you have us conquer the unconquerable just to lose against the runts? This kind of question communicates two things. One from a position of no faith and one from a position of faith.

1. God, you don’t know what you’re doing. This person believes that God is just rolling the dice each time. God couldn’t possibly know or care. He is playing the same cosmic game that we all are, but is just a better player. He is stuck with the same rules and therefore is not sovereign over what happens. So many people see God this way. So many people of faith rationalize God’s sovereignty when evil things happen. God could only do so much because of human free will, etc. etc.
2. God, you know what you’re doing, but I don’t always like it. This position acknowledges that God is sovereign. It also laments to God when times are harder or confusing. When the WHY and HOW questions are asked with faith, they don’t disrespect God.

Joshua was confused. They had defeated the massive army only to lose to the pathetically small army. Joshua had no idea what God was doing or the lesson God was teaching. All Joshua could do was pray a frustrated prayer to God. A prayer certain with God, but uncertain as to God’s plan. When we go through our frustrating moments, go to God in honesty and faith.–JMB