Joshua 6:25 But Joshua let Rahab the harlot live—Rahab and her father’s household and everyone connected to her. She is still alive and well in Israel because she hid the agents whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Before Joshua entered the promised land, he sent spies ahead, so they could be prepared for whatever lay before them. It was not unusual, and after all, it makes no sense to stumble around in the dark.

They chose to spend the night with Rahab, a woman of the night. It was a clever strategy, because many unfamiliar men moved in and out of her door. Her residence was also strategically located in the city wall. It was a well-located place if you needed to grab your things and go quickly.

Of course, the king of Jericho also knew the strategy, and that’s why he sent soldiers to her place in the wall. Rahab saw it coming and sent the men to hide on the roof. Early the next morning, she helped them escape through the window with a long red rope.

Do you also wonder why Rahab did this? You see, she had started to believe. She had heard what God had done for His people and acknowledged in so many words that He was the Creator of heaven and earth. She chose God over the other gods.

She risked a lot. She risked her life because if the king caught her, she would die. Yet she chose to hide the spies and even deceived the soldiers. She did this based on her new faith. Her faith was not just words but became visible in her actions.

True faith in God makes a person do things beyond the norm. When you truly believe, you lose the fear of death. You have the certainty of knowing exactly where you are going, and that where you are headed is a much better place anyway.

I wonder if we are truly willing to put our faith on the line today, unafraid of the consequences. May God’s Spirit give us the strength to stand tall, even if it means losing our jobs, our friends, or our lives.

“Your past, your actions, and your history are no excuse. Even Rahab’s past did not disqualify her; her faith unlocked a new future for her and her family, sparing their lives.

Prayer
Father, thank you that You want to use even me. Help me now through Your Spirit to do right …

Questions
Do I believe that my past disqualifies me, or that God can still use me?
Where is God asking me to show my faith in action today?
Am I willing to stand for God, even if it costs me something?

Do this now
Today, write down one specific thing from your past that still bothers you, and tell God you are surrendering it to Him now.
Choose one act of faith today, such as helping someone, speaking the truth, or fixing something you’ve been putting off for a long time.
Stand up for God today, even if it means not saying or doing things that you know are wrong.