On May 19, 2014, US Navy Admiral, William H. McRaven, gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas, often referred to as the “Make Your Bed” speech. He said, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” This decorated officer has seen a lot, but he knows the importance of doing the little things like making your bed before changing the world for generations to come.

Uncertainty. Loneliness. Perhaps fear. Joshua has been commanded to be courageous, but he knows that he is too small for his given task. The test of faith has come to Joshua. God will test us for our good, but the enemy tempts us for our destruction. Joshua has received God’s word. God had given Joshua his promise to be with him to take the land, and he could approach it with confidence, but how God would accomplish the task were not to be presumed and would be given along the way. What should he do? Joshua believed God and began his planning.

The decision to send spies was the standard operating procedure. Details about Jericho would help plan a battle strategy and attack. Joshua does not yet know that God is preparing to act on behalf of his people miraculously. God works typically through ’natural’ means, but he may do the miraculous. Joshua does not yet understand what God has been doing and what he is about to do. Joshua believed God and began planning and praying, and although the plan didn’t work perfectly, it confirmed that he was working to keep his promise.

Joshua does not know that God is about to deliver Jericho into the hands of his people in a miraculous way, but he knows that prayer and provisions are both needed. What about us? The world seems crazy right now. What will happen during the inauguration later this week? What about the vaccine? Yes, these things have massive implications and could change the course of history, but what about the small things? What about the ordinary means of grace and the simple things we know to do? What about standard operating procedures for Christians? When we face times of uncertainty and change, we need to remember God’s promises and rely on his presence. Nothing is impossible for God, but his primary focus is his glory, not our comfort. What should you do when you are faced with uncertainty, anxiety, or fear? What’s Next? Just One Step… Faith.