Hiding in Plain Sight

The spies went up into the hill country and stayed there three days. The men who were chasing them searched everywhere along the road, but they finally returned without success. Joshua 2:22 NLT

Have you ever lost something and no matter where you look you just can’t find it? That has happened to me. I have a tendency to move things around and put them in a safe place; a place that I would not forget. Then, guess what? I would forget. When I need the item, I would search unsuccessfully. Long after, I would find the item, many times, in a place that I had searched before.

The children of Israel were traveling to the land that the Lord promised to their ancestors. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, their blessing was within their grasp. Successful generals never engage in battle without information about their enemy. Joshua sent two men to get information about Jericho. He told them, “Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho.” So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night.” Joshua 2:1. But the king of Jericho found out that the spies were there. He sent his men to capture the spies. 

These spies were befriended by the most unlikely citizen. When the king’s men came searching for them, she said, “Yes, the men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were from. They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” Joshua 2:24-25. The most unlikely citizen had guaranteed their safety. She had one request: “Give me some guarantee that when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.” Joshua 2:12-13. They gave her their word then she told them what to do to stay safe.

The men from Jericho made a careful search of the land, but couldn’t find the spies. You would think that men who lived in that community would be able to locate strangers hiding in their midst. That is what happens when God is with you. Your safety is not based on what you do, but on who God is. It’s possible that the residents of Jericho walked close to their hiding place but did not see the two men. God is a protector; He will shield you from danger. When the enemy is hunting to cause you harm; God will hide you in plain sight.

Thought for Today: Friend, don’t fear; trust God.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.