We March Together

 By: Joanne Viola

It’s that time of year again. On any Wednesday night, I can faintly hear the sound of the marching band as they practice. It brings back fond memories of those years our daughter was on the football field, playing her instrument, marching, and learning new formations for the competition season ahead.

It’s been quite a few years since those marching days, but the comforting sound always stirs my thoughts:

• The years bring growth and change. We have since moved on as the years brought growth. Even during the four years of participation, the band often changed in size and formation. Our lives change with the passing of years. Our families may make adjustments with new additions or the passing of others.
• Families are made up of individuals. Each relative contributes to the family unit, bringing a uniqueness all their own. Each one is needed to do their part and none can be replaced.
• Our family journeys together. We travel through our days and years with ups and downs, joys and tears. And in the end, it is all worth every single moment.

My Bible dictionary defines ‘march’ as “to move along steadily usually with a rhythmic stride and in step with others in order to advance or proceed.”

These thoughts cause me to think of another marching band.

When God’s people came up against the city of Jericho, God explained His fighting strategy:

“The Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand,
with its king and the valiant warriors.
You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once.
You shall do so for six days.
Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark;
then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times,
and the priests shall blow the trumpets."
(Joshua 6:2-4, NASB)

God’s people needed to conquer their enemies and a city. The plan was basically to march around the city for seven days. This may seem like a foolish plan but it worked.

You and I may not need to conquer a city, but at times we do come up against obstacles, and maybe even an enemy or two.

What can we learn and apply from the story of Jericho?

• Stay in God’s Word for both encouragement and guidance.
• Obey as He gives guidance and discernment.
• Ask a trusted friend or family member to pray faithfully each day.

Marching together we may just get to witness a wall come tumbling down.
Marching together we will always be stronger than when we march alone.

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name,
I am there in their midst.”
(Matthew 18:20, NASB)

 

Reflection:
Are there circumstances in our life that may need to revisit and think through? Do you need to search God’s Word for guidance? Has He already guided but you have yet to obey? Do you need to find someone to pray with? Remember not to march alone.

 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash