I was reading Joshua 5 – 6 the other day. Basically, it’s how the Israelites prepared and conquered Jericho under Joshua’s command.
The thing that stood out to me about this passage was that one of the first things Israel did in preparation for this was to circumsise the men (Joshua 5:2-8). It was a time consuming step, as everyone had to heal up before they could conquer Jericho, but it was a direct command from God, so they did it.
A takeaway for me was that sometimes we need to cut things off before we can move forward. For the Israelites, the circumcision was likely for them to be part of and remember the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 17.
For us, the thing we cut off could be anything. It could something that distracts us, holds us back, or otherwise hinders us from moving forward with what God has for us. If you’re not sure about what to cut up, pray about it and see what God brings up. It’s probably not going to be a walk in the park, but if God tells you do to it, it’ll be worth it.
A passage that encourages me in this is Hebrews 12:1-2:
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”