I struggled for weeks over a fear issue and feeling less than worthy to write and share personal lessons from God. Once again, I opened the Bible expecting Him to lead me to one of the passages from which He’s spoken to me before. But my reading led me to verses I would have thought unlikely to give the kind of revelation I wanted—Deuteronomy 7.
The first two verses halted me.
God guided His people to a land possessed by those who did not know or care about Him.
Compared to the Israelites-These foes were greater and stronger, grander and sturdier, more resilient and superior, and the Lord brought those adversaries to His people.
Oh, and in case we missed the point, because of their power, the enemies, (plural…not one, but many) could easily have defeated the Israelites.
As I wondered why God led me to these verses, the question hit me … “If God will lead enemies to His people who could outpower them, why are you surprised when a strong force comes at you?”
I don’t have enemies as the Israelites did. I can’t physically face the antagonists that cause me the greatest problems. Instead, mine are the issues mentioned in Ephesians 6:12.
But I asked God to show me the greater, stronger enemies He brings before me. I went to my desk, picked up my pen, and wrote. Remember how many enemies were in Deuteronomy 7:2? Seven. Can you guess how many enemies He showed me?
Exactly.
Seven.
And the fear I mentioned earlier sat right at the beginning of the list.
God provides me with the opportunity to face my enemies. Why? Part of the reason is in Joshua 10:8, “The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you,’” I must trust God in the battle and His victory. But a deeper reason appears in 2 Corinthians 12:7, “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!”
God’s great desire is for us to rely on Him when our enemy draws near. Joshua and the Israelites experienced triumph when they listened and relied on God.
I find it’s the same with me. When I listen and stay close to God, I can stand in His promises more courageously.
God’s victory is sure, but we must not favor any sin. To nurture any kind of sin, whether it’s pride or fear or accepting lies as truth, or whatever it is, will separate us from God, His strength, His provision, and His protection.
Let’s be like Joshua and stand strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9) and face the enemy in the Lord’s strength.
I’m thankful for the unlikely Scripture used to help me face my enemies.
Is there an enemy you need to face today in God’s power?
Photo Credit: Unsplash-Debby Hudson
A reminder to wait on the Lord for His strength in our battle with sin. You have written a timely topic for me and it is appreciated.
Thank you.
I am grateful, Tom. Thank you for sharing this with me. God bless as you continue following Him.