Christian Latina Leadership Blog

By: Gabriela Sanchez

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As Christian leaders in our respective ministries and personal lives, we are bound to encounter new paths full of uncertainty, face long-lasting challenges, and lead others during difficult seasons in life. In these turbulent moments, we may attempt to rely on our own strength and wisdom; however, the story of Joshua 11 reminds us that true victory is achieved not on our own, but in aligning ourselves with God’s purpose for us. Joshua 11 tells us about a time when King Jabin of Hazor strategically formed a massive coalition of kingdoms to face Israel:

“All these kings came out to fight. Their combined armies formed a vast horde. And with all their horses and chariots, they covered the landscape like the sand on the seashore.” Joshua 11:4

Despite being outnumbered and appearing to be at a huge disadvantage, Joshua remained on God’s side, trusted in God’s promise, and followed God’s instructions as he led Israel into battle. This powerful story reminds us of three important truths for facing our own battles today.

1. Remaining on God’s Side Gives Us Confidence and Removes Fear

When Joshua learned of the massive alliance of armies formed to battle Israel, it was natural to feel afraid. Yet God spoke to Joshua:  

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them. By this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel as dead men. Then you must cripple their horses and burn their chariots.” Joshua 11:6

God reassured Joshua in the midst of uncertainty. When facing unprecedented and uncertain situations in life, we can access the ultimate source of security and strength in God’s promise. Fear that once paralyzed us loses its strength when we focus on God’s promise. As women leaders, we are often called to make difficult decisions, face insurmountable situations, or step into the unknown. But God reminds us, “Do not be afraid.” Being on God’s side is our source of confidence and strength. When we align our hearts and actions with God’s, we can live with bravery, knowing that God goes before us.

2. Being on God’s Side Helps Us Remain Persistent as We Battle with a Sense of Purpose

Victory rarely comes without persistence. One detail about this passage that brought my attention was the fact that the Israelites did not simply win a single battle or stopped fighting after realizing that their enemy began to retreat. They pursued their enemies relentlessly, driven by the confidence that God was fighting for them.

“And the Lord gave them victory over their enemies. The Israelites chased them as far as Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward into the valley of Mizpah, until not one enemy warrior was left alive.” Joshua 11:8

This was far from being a passive victory. It required bold action, resilience, and unshakable faith. When we are on God’s side, we are empowered to keep moving forward, even when the journey is long and the obstacles seem unattainable. Our sense of purpose is renewed because we know our efforts are aligned to a higher purpose.

As women leaders, persistence is often required in our ministries, workplaces, and families. There will be seasons when progress feels null or slow. In these moments, remember to move forward with perseverance. Do not give up and continue to trust God.

3. Remaining Obedient to God’s Will Ensures Victory

An important lesson from Joshua 11 is rooted in the power of obedience. Joshua’s victory was not the result of military superiority or elite battling skills. The victory was the result of careful obedience to God’s instructions.

“And Joshua did as he was told, carefully obeying all the commands that the Lord had given to Moses. So Joshua conquered the entire region—the hill country, the entire Negev, the whole area around the town of Goshen, the western foothills, the Jordan Valley, the mountains of Israel, and the Galilean foothills.” Joshua 11:15b-16

Obedience is not always easy. It requires humility, surrender, and a willingness to follow God’s lead even when we may not fully understand God’s plan. Joshua obeyed ALL the commands that the Lord had given. With no exceptions and without cutting corners. This passage teaches us that obedience is the key to unlock God’s victory in our lives.  Lastly, as leaders in our communities, it is essential to model obedience to those around us and those who we have been entrusted to lead. Doing so can become a powerful testimony of our trust and faithfulness to God and inspire others to do the same.

Joshua’s story is not an ancient and forgotten story. It is here as a living promise to those who align themselves with God’s promise. While writing this blog, I was reminded of a story that happened during the Civil War. In the heat of battle, one of President Lincoln’s advisors asked if he prayed for God to be on their side. The president responded with “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

When we choose God’s side, God grants us victory. The battles we face in our ministries, workplaces, and personal lives are very different from the one found in Joshua 11 however, God’s promise remains unchanged. 

I invite you to reflect on the following questions: what battles are you facing today? How can you align yourself with God’s side in battle? How can you serve as a reminder of God’s promise to others as they battle a difficult time in their lives?

In conclusion, I encourage you once again to remember: We must always strive to be on God’s side, because God’s side is always the winning one.