Different How, Same Result April 15, 2016

²⁰ So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
Joshua 6:20 ESV 

²¹ And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. ²² And the others came out from the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. And Israel struck them down, until there was left none that survived or escaped.
Joshua 8:21 ESV

In chapters 6 and 8 of Joshua, we see the nation of Israel face the same problem- a fortified city.  Before gun powder and siege machinery, a city with strong enough walls and ample supplies could withstand a siege for months, even years.  As the nation of Israel moved into the Promise Land, they encountered several well-defended cities.  A prolonged siege at each of these cities was not possible for the fledgling nation.  But they were not fighting these battles alone.  El Shaddai was with the Hebrews.

Two cities.  Two approaches.  Two victories. 

At Jericho God instructs Joshua to use an unconventional method of warfare.  In fact to historians, a seemingly impossible plan of attack.  March around the city for several days.  On the last day, march around multiple times, they blow horns and shout.  To the world, this would seem to be a laughable plan to defeat a highly fortified city.  March and yell?  But as with all thing in life, obedience to God led to victory.  Walls tumbled.  Victory achieved.

Fast forward to the second attack on the city of Ai.  Here God instructs Joshua in a much more conventional method of warfare.  Deceit.  Ambush.  Pincher movement.  Chaos.  Victory.

It is interesting how God choose to achieve the same end with two very different approaches.  Why?  Dunno know.  Could He have directed another march and shout campain at Ai?  Sure.  But He chose not to.  

When we come up against fortified cities in our lives, it is important we look back at previous victories, but not assume God will expect the same response each time.  God will provide victory, but the path to that victory may look much different in 2016 than in 2015.  A January victory may be achieved with Plan A while Plan B may be required in May.

How God chooses to work is not our concern as much as being obedient to whatever He calls us to do.  If Joshua had chosen to march and shout at Ai, I imagine the walls would have reminded standing.  By the same token a campain of deceit and ambush at Jericho would have resulted in an Israelite defeat.

Obedience to God's leading is the only sure pathway to victory.  March and shout or ambush and pincher.  The how is unimportant.  Our obedience will lead to His victory.