History always amazed me. There is so much to learn, that probably one lifetime isn’t enough.Some historical monuments are breathtakingly beautiful. With such finesse and panacheall the ancient artisans worked, that our modern day architects and engineers still take inspirations from them.

Being a history lover, I have always been inspired to research on them my own small way. Being an observer and a thinker, I have often been intrigued to think the reasons behind such constructions.

Every time I see a gigantic fort, first thing that comes to my mind is ,.security. The walls areso high, and thick, security from invaders must have been the primary reason they were built like that.

One such historical city I feel inspired to share with you.

A journey from Syria to Egypt, in August 1812, brought Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt to a solid wall of rock, city of Petra, also called “”wadi Mousa”” or —-The valley of Moses. A reddish pink facade of an elaborately carved building standing more than 90ft(30 m) high. One of the most beautiful romantic ‘’lost’’ cities.Petra’s inaccessibility has been its redemption.Even today, only on foot or horseback, you can reach Petra. First known prehistoric people associated with Petra were Edomites(Descendants of Esau), who lived there from 1000 B.C. A tomb on a hill overlooking Petra is said to be of Moses’s brother , Aaron. By 4th century, Nabataeans ( an Arab tribe ) cut many buildings out of the sandstone rock faces, and lived in numerous caves throughout the city.The site was a natural fortress. Networks of channels and pipelines gave constant supply of fresh spring water, resulting in prosperity of Petra. But 106 AD. Romans annexed Petra, but Petra continued prospering and eventually became commercial centre. Muslims captured it in 7th century and subsequently sank her into decline and oblivion. Today the city lies desolate, but still looks beautiful and untouched. And according to Burckhardt “”it’s state of preservation resembles that of a building recently finished””. The beautiful statues, niches and columns are protected from sandstorms, wind and rain by overhanging rocks.

Reason I shared the story of Petra was, ancient history boasts of many beautiful rocks and monuments and forts in various parts of the world. Many are in ruins, some are visited by travelers, explorers and tourists. As tourist when you see such monuments, apart from getting overwhelmedwith their beauty and grandeur, first thing that strikes, is how much the builders have paid attention to the ‘’security’’ part of it.

Small details were paid much attention, lot ofhard work , time, energy, money and efforts went in to construct these. In spite of all, they were annexed, invaded and destroyed eventually. The ones who constructed them, died long back that history can even remember, but left a legacy to learn from.
One such beautiful story to learn from scriptures is Book of Joshua 6:1-20. Children of Israel had to fight their way into possession of ‘promised land’.

At times, God asks us to do some real unbelievable things. It might not make sense at that time, but things later fall into place as youfollow His Lead.

Walls of Jericho ( afenced town with high walls) was tightly closed because of Israelites. No one went in or came out. God commanded that for six days they were to march and blow trumpets once all around the city. But on seventh day, they were to march seven times around the enclosure and shout together and the walls of Jericho will fall. Well with our humans minds, they don’t make sense. But that’s it. We are humans. Our minds are nowhere near God’s mind. He is God. His ways have to be unique. His commands and ways have to be different from ours.

Joshua 6:20 records, walls of Jericho fell and Israelites took the city.

Jericho might not have been too big, considering the time it was built. But construction might have taken much more efforts, hard work and time using ancient techniques. Quality must have been supreme though . Bringing down a fort like that just by blowing trumpets? Mathew 19:26 records, “with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!!

Since beginning man has paid more attention to his achievements, vanity and lifestyle and relationships. Not that its bad, but if he pays more attention to God and gives God the first place in his life, probably he will understand, God alone is our mighty Rock, our Fortress and Deliverer, our Shield, and our real place of safety. (Psalm 18:2). Like Joshua, victory will be our portion every step of life. Great walls of obstructions, will crumble down just by His commands. Great strength or human might, wouldn’t be required when God is by our side. We will be forever secure and safe under His Mighty wings.

Forts have been built strong, yet invaded, and destroyed. But if our trust is in God, ”we will never be put to shame ( Psalm 25:3). “”

Romans 10:11 “Anyone who trusts in Him, will never be disgraced.””

Joshua trusted God, was a victor(Joshua 6:20)

Hannah trusted God, was blessed with Samuel, a great Prophet. (1 Samuel 1:9-28)

Esther trusted in God, was made a queen (Esther 2:9)

Joseph trusted God. He was made Prime minister of Egypt, only next to Pharaoh. (Genesis 41: 41)

Our God is ever faithful. Our solid Rock, upon Whom, foundations of our lives should be. Its good to construct high secure walls, but let foundations of those walls be Lord.

Bless you all😊

(“”The writer has been a Cover page Model for various fashion magazines , anchored various musical shows for youth Channels and a (short film) filmmaker for Discovery Channel. Currently busy writing her own book””)