LORD Fights for Them

 

LORD Fights for Them

Exodus 14: ²⁴ Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. ²⁵ And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

 

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After Moses held up his rod, GOD parted the Red Sea. The children of Israel crossed on dry ground. The Egyptians tried to use the same path that GOD was using to protect HIS people. They pursued inside the parted sea only to find that GOD took their wheels off their chariots. They got scared.

 

My Observations:

• GOD saw the evil of the Egyptians.
• GOD fought the Egyptians in a way that was very calculated.
• The Egyptians recognized that it was GOD who was fighting against them.

 

Doing anything evil against the children of GOD was unacceptable to HIM. The pursuit to pull the children of Israel back into slavery was seen by GOD and HE used their positioning against them. HE allowed them to get close enough to the children of Israel before HE took their chariot wheels off.

 

GOD gave the children of Israel enough of a head start that they could cross the Red Sea in safety. But the Egyptians had troubles and decided to flee from their pursuit. They were in the middle of the Sea with broken chariots. They may have remembered the plagues and felt that it was no longer worth trying to fight against the children of Israel. GOD was setting them up for HIS final blow.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did to the chariots?
• Have you ever been pursued by an enemy or the Enemy?
• Can you rest assured knowing that GOD is fighting the battle you think you need to fight?

Conscience Choice

Conscience Choice

1 Timothy 1: ¹⁸ Timothy, my child, I entrust to you this command, which is in accordance with the words of prophecy spoken in the past about you. Use those words as weapons in order to fight well, ¹⁹ and keep your faith and a clear conscience. Some people have not listened to their conscience and have made a ruin of their faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have punished by handing them over to the power of Satan; this will teach them to stop their blasphemy.

 

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Tired of being a “goody-goody”, I dabbled in some things I was taught to avoid. When I tried them out, nothing happened. I thought a bolt of lightning would hit me in the head, but I was able to “get away” with what I was doing. Though something inside me said “you shouldn’t be doing this” I ignored the words of heed. Soon I found my life in a mess.

 

• I was on a path to destruction because I would not listen to my conscience.
• I got practice at not listening to my conscience and became good at doing things that were not good for me.
• My heart began to turn to stone as I did what I wanted to do.

 

Paul gave a pep talk to Timothy, who may have been experiencing worry over not being listened to as he preached about JESUS. Paul provides Timothy with a balanced approach which included a Godly prophecy, faith and a clear conscience. He taught Timothy to stand firm without harming people.

 

My Observations

• GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT lives inside me to guide me to a better place.
• I can choose to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT or ignore HIM.
• I always, always do well when I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Listening to GOD means surrender to my plans. I mean, when I want to do something that is contrary to GOD, I have a choice to listen to my conscience or not. Unfortunately, many times I have chosen to not listen and I found myself with bigger problems. BUT GOD understood.

 

HE corrected me, picked me up from the ashes and gave me a better path. HE provided for me a path to be able to stand firm against things that cause bigger problems. HE fights my spiritual battles and always wins. I am glad HE cares enough to speak to me and you.

 

Challenge

• What weapons do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever been doubted because of your belief in JESUS?
• Will you stand firm in your belief in JESUS and allow GOD to guide your thoughts so HE will fight your battles today?

Tell It

 Tell It

Acts 23: ¹⁷ Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him to the commander.

 

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

 

¹⁹ The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

 

²⁰ He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. ²¹ Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

²² The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

 

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“Don’t be a tattle-tale” was the unwritten code. In other words, when you see something that is wrong, don’t tell anyone or face the consequences. But when I saw a person I knew about to get beat up, I had to do something. I told on the bully.

 

• There were times when I had to tell someone about impending injustice.
• There were times when I had to stand up for someone who couldn’t stand up for themselves.
• There were times when I had to let others know about the disregard for another person.

 

Paul’s nephew informed him of the plot against him. Paul sent him to the commander to tell the details of the plot. The commander listened to Paul’s nephew and told him not to tell anyone he had reported this to him.

 

• GOD wants me to know I will be protected when I have to tell about a bully.
• GOD wants me to know HE sees the bully so I can have courage that I am doing the right thing when I inform others.
• GOD wants me to know HE does not take injustice lightly.

 

Standing up for someone is not easy. I mean, it seems like I would get in trouble if I told about abuse of power. BUT GOD wants me to worry more about following HIM than of the temporary power the thugs yield.

 

GOD’s power is everlasting. HE wants me to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. HE knows there will be some who will never turn to HIM. Some of those people may even try to recklessly harm others, not knowing their demise. I am grateful GOD enables me to stand firm because of HIS promises to me.

 

• Do you see injustice but are not doing anything about it?
• Are you worried about what others will think of you if you told on someone?
• Will you ask GOD for courage and protection as you speak on “that” person’s behalf today?

Getting Wiser

Getting Wiser

Acts 18: ¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. ¹⁹ They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

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“How dare they!” I felt with anger. Ready to fight, I went and found people who would back me up. Throwing aside consequence, I wanted to right this wrong and was willing to punch someone in their face. Fortunately, the fight did not break out.

• There was a time when I was quick with anger.
• There was a time when I felt rage when someone said the “wrong” thing the “right” way.
• There was a time when I reacted before I considered if I should even react.

Paul had faced a lot of hardship. From fall of being a Pharisee to rise of being a true follower of JESUS, Paul faced beating and near death spreading the gospel. He wanted to stand out, so he vowed to remain bald. He then did something uncharacteristic by declining a request to stay with a group. “I will come back if it is GOD’s will” he said.

• GOD wants me to mature in my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow in the examples HE gave through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and let HIM do the fighting.

After getting beat up enough, I say to myself “There has to be a better way.” GOD knew Paul had to suffer. Paul, at one time, pursued murder in the name of GOD. He was growing with wisdom and sought a better way to convince people and allow GOD to do the fighting. GOD wants me to do the same.

HE wants me to plant the seeds of HIS love and allow HIM to bring someone else to water the seeds and HE grow the seeds. HE also wants me to see how slow HE is to anger and how graceful HE is with me daily. I appreciate HIS patience with me.

• Are you filled with rage?
• Are you quick to anger and react often?
• Will you allow GOD to slow your anger so HE can speak through you today?

Change Jobs

Change Jobs

Acts 12: ¹⁶ Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.

¹⁸ Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

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“I can’t do it” I said in the interview. A group of executives wanted me to fire 33% of the staff if I joined the organization. After the interview, back in my home state, someone said “You need to get tough.” The expectation of me was to go along with decisions that could cause many people to lose their jobs, keeping mine in the process.

• There were times when I thought being “tough” was good.
• There were times when I thought nothing of firing people.
• There were times when I was led by the leaders, no matter how poorly they led.

Peter knew the guards were still in close proximity so when they finally opened the door, he told them to be quiet. He had to leave town. Meanwhile the guards, who were probably very tough, panicked. They had good reason. When they could not find Peter, they were put to death by other “tough” guards at the decree of the leader.

• GOD wants me to be wise to the world’s sins but not involved in causing them.
• GOD wants me to understand that I am a sinner who needs JESUS as the answer.
• GOD wants me to know HE can take care of me without the thing I may be holding onto that is harming other people.

“LORD, what do you want me to do?” was the missing question that I never heard or asked during my rapid rise in my career. I just went with the flow. BUT GOD wanted me to be different. HE wanted me to change jobs.

Unlike the world, JESUS showed grace and extreme mercy on HIS creation. This is missing from the world today. Being “tough” and combative is heralded as a badge of honor. GOD wants me to be tough, but to defend those who are being abused, misled and misdirected. HE wants me to stand for HIS entire kingdom, leaving the vengeance and protection to HIM. In JESUS I put my trust.

• Are you pursuing something that may be harmful to you and others?
• Do you think your pursuit will help or hurt GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you consider asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?” so HE can guide you to stay or leave for HIM today?

Forgiven and Protected

Joel 3: ²⁰ Judah will be inhabited forever
    and Jerusalem through all generations.
²¹ Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged?
    No, I will not.”

The Lord dwells in Zion!

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Bullies have always made me angry in a strange way. I mean when I feel bullied, I feel a mixture of rage and helplessness. At one point in my life, I could not take bullying any longer. I went to the gym and put on muscles. I later found the bullies getting bigger and stronger. What was I supposed to do?

• There have been times in my life when bullies have had their way with me.
• There have been times in my life in which I have been intimidated.
• There have been times in my life that seemed unfair because bullies walked right up to me, hit me and dared that I get back up.

Intimidation is a method of wielding power and GOD cannot stand when anyone flexes their muscles at someone else. What I am saying is GOD does not like intimidation, nor does HE like when someone bullies me or if I think I can bully anyone else.

• GOD says to me “Stand still and know the power of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay.”

JESUS gave me a difficult example to follow. HE said “When someone slaps you on the cheek, turn your face so they can slap the other.” This is not an exercise in face slapping and weakness rather it is an exercise in strength. HE wants me to allow HIS wrath to build up against the intimidator while HE gives me strength to stand firm on my beliefs.

Backing down from a fight takes more strength than I realized. It takes strength to hold my tongue from the bully who blasts me with words of intimidation. It takes strength for me to slow down from the road raged driver. It takes strength to allow GOD to show HIS strength while I watch. GOD forgives me and protects me daily!

• Are you being bullied?
• Do you have someone who is trying to intimidate you into doing something you do not want to do?
• Can you stop trying to fight and allow GOD to fight your battle?
• Will you stand still and know GOD’s power?

Getting Revenge

Psalm 35: ²² Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent.
    Do not be far from me, Lord.
²³ Awake, and rise to my defense!
    Contend for me, my God and Lord.
²⁴ Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God;
    do not let them gloat over me.
²⁵ Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”
    or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

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“That felt good” was the thought that flashed in my mind as I was able to block a person from interviewing at the company I worked at. She was a thorn in my side at my last job and I was shocked to hear my boss ask me “Should I interview her?”

Years later I went to look for a job at a place where I was a perfect fit. I looked through the list of employees and did not see her name, but I did see a person who was fired from the company I was trying to leave. I tried to reach out to him and he would have nothing to do with me. “So this is how she felt” crossed my mind.

• Sometimes revenge feels great to me.
• Sometimes revenge feels wonderful.
• Sometimes revenge fuels my determination.

Obtaining a goal based on revenge is very problematic. I mean if someone says something about me or does something to me, a dangerous fire can be lit that makes me determined to get that person back. This is a mild form of hatred that carries a dangerous seed. BUT GOD says think differently.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay.”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies that they may prosper.”
• GOD says to me “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.”

Spitting out my poison rather than using it as a dart is what GOD wants me to do. HE wants me to seek HIS kingdom first rather than seeking revenge first. By seeking HIS kingdom, I will find peace instead of pain, grace instead of groaning, and love instead of let downs. It is hard to “let it go” sometimes, BUT GOD can help me move on.

• Are you seeking revenge?
• Do you want to see “them” fail?
• Can you give your thoughts of revenge over to GOD?
• Will you focus on HIS kingdom first?

Keep Going Despite the Insults

Nehemiah 4: ³ Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

⁴ Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.

⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

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“Hey four-eyes, you think you are smarter than us!” was an insult hurled my way as I walked on the playground. Fashionable choices in glasses were not an option for me back then and I received the basic “scientist” look. All I needed was a lab coat and a clip board and my look would have been complete.

Some of the bullies spent their time tripping people or washing their face in the snow. Was this my fate? “I’m not even smart” I thought to myself, “or am I?” As I considered what they said, I thought “maybe I am smart.” Soon the bullies were trying to copy off of my paper. I was actually getting good grades and I was being protected instead of pounced on.

• When people doubt me, I begin to doubt myself.
• When people insult me, I replay their insult in my mind.
• When people blatantly oppose me, I wonder how I am going to make it through the situation.

I would love to say I was six feet five inches, two hundred forty pounds and able to fight the greatest warrior when I was born but that was far from the truth. I remained a skinny feeble sort who was laughed at for my pitiful appearance. I wanted to fit in the crowd, BUT GOD had something different in mind for me.

• GOD wants me to accept me the way HE made me.
• GOD wants me to understand He made me in HIS likeness so I need to act like HIM.
• GOD wants me to treat others like the royalty GOD made them.

Despite how people treat me, GOD wants me to keep going. Insults may be hurled my way and doubts may abound. BUT GOD will fight my battles and protect me as HE always has.

• Are you being insulted?
• Do you feel self-conscious?
• Can you keep going despite the insults and doubts from others?
• Will you ask GOD to give you the strength and the resources to keep going?

A Prayer for the Powerless

2 Chronicles 14: ¹¹ Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.”

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Surrounded on all sides again, GOD’s people felt scared, worried and full of fear. There seemed to be no way out. BUT GOD fought the battle again.

HE wants full reliance on HIM. Mere mortals will not prevail against GOD’s wonderful plan for me.

Bravery

2 Samuel 10: ¹² Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

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As I gobbled down my lunch, I set up my Backgammon game waiting for my next victim. Yes I said Backgammon and we had classes in caves too. A friend of mine brought an antagonistic individual to the table. He said to me “What would you say if I said there is no GOD?”

The only reason I remember this so vividly is because this was the first time anyone had challenged my beliefs. I mean up to this point I went to church and came home like everyone else. No one had ever asked me to explain my beliefs. I was scared, but words came out of my mouth. “I just know” was the beginning of the conversation that took the rest of the period.

• When I face something difficult, I get scared.
• When I face antagonistic situations I get frightened.
• When I face what seems to be an army of issues, I get nervous.

Fear consumes me, then it makes me want to run and hide in the corner.  At that point nothing gets done. I then remember the fear and get scared to try anything that is challenging. BUT GOD wants something different of me.

• GOD wants me to be strong when times are difficult.
• GOD wants me to fight when I face a foe of HIS.
• GOD wants me to realize the battle is won because HE is the one who fights for me.

When entering any battle I must equip myself with the knowledge that the outcome belongs to GOD. This makes me approach the battle differently.  I see an opponent as an ally rather than someone who needs to be conquered or removed to get my way.  This is GOD’s child and compassion coupled with strength is how I need to go into the battle.

I can’t win unless we all win. I must be brave enough to bring others along, when I can.

• Are you facing fear?
• Are you scared of something new?
• Can you give your fear over to GOD?
• Won’t you BE STRONG because GOD is with you? 

The battle is not mine

1 Samuel 17: ⁴⁷ All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

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When I’m nervous, scared or worried I can tell the battle is mine. I lay awake tossing and turning wondering if this thing will be alright or that person will be fine. I then compound the issue by thinking about it and lastly trying to fix it. BUT GOD understands.

• GOD fights the battle, especially when I’m exhausted.
• GOD fights the battle, especially when I feel like giving up.
• GOD fights the battle, especially when I am not equipped.

GOD seems to love it when I depend on HIS power.  If I did everything with my own ability and knowledge then I would certainly take credit for GOD’s deliverance. GOD holds all the power and I must give HIM praise!

My courage comes only from the LORD.

• Are you facing a giant that is adorned with weapons?
• Do you remember the times GOD delivered you from other problems?
• Can you take a moment to dwell on HIS deliverance?
• Won’t you let HIM take out your giant and follow HIS ways

Victory may come with defeat

Judges 20: ²⁶ Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. ²⁷ And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, ²⁸ with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?”

The Lord responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.”

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After being passed over for a number of positions I wondered what was going on.  I prayed and it seemed like GOD was saying “keep going.” Finally the company asked me to interview for CIO of one of their recently purchased companies. “Wow, look at GOD” I said. When it was all said and done, I didn’t get the job.

I pouted and questioned GOD. “Why did you put me up to this?” I said in a tiff.  Little did I know HE had something much greater in store for me.

• When I get defeated I think I can’t move forward.
• When I lose the battle I think I can’t fight anymore.
• When I don’t get my way I think GOD has forgotten me.

The Israelites went to GOD, not once but twice and prayed to HIM asking if they should fight and the LORD said “Yes” and they lost both times. In fact they were humiliated in their defeat. They went back one more time and GOD gave them victory.

• GOD’s plan is wonderful for me but it has included painful growth.
• GOD’s plan for me is great but I have had to fail in order to accomplish HIS goal.
• GOD’s plan is absolutely marvelous for me but I have had to fall in a few holes to realize I need HIM.

Just because I am defeated on one battle or even two doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep fighting. GOD wants me to be strong as I move forward. The weak will observe my defeat as total failure, BUT GOD sees it as an opportunity to strengthen me and grow me. HE is the one who raises me and places me in the position HE desires.

• Are you defeated?
• Are you tired of the fight?
• Can you open your eyes and ask GOD to fight for you?
• Won’t you “keep going” like GOD told you to?

GOD is with you through the battle!

Judges 11: ²⁹ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites.

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³² Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into his hands. ³³ He devastated twenty towns from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel Keramim. Thus Israel subdued Ammon.

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Scowling faces made me feel a bit uneasy as I walked through the crowd. As I shook a few hands I engaged people in conversation to find out why they were so angry. As they told me their story I could empathize a bit more.

As I stood at the podium I saw the same scowls on the ocean of people but a sense of peace fell over me. I took a deep breath and began my presentation. I could actually see the scowls lift into smiles as I made some modifications to my discussion that included their pain. I could feel a spirit of peace in the room.

• GOD gives me peace when I face something huge.
• GOD leads me beside still waters and restores my soul.
• GOD fights my battles when I face difficulty.

I would like to say it was me who calmed the crowd, but in reality it was GOD who brought peace in the room. Every circumstance, every situation, every tough decision can be brought to GOD and HE has plenty of peace to give me. All I have to do is trust that HE will be with me as I walk out and fight the battle, knowing the battle is already won because of HIM!

• Are you fighting on your own strength?
• Do you think you can win the battle by yourself?
• Won’t you stop fighting without GOD and ask HIM to go before you today?
• Can you trust that HE has your best interest in mind?

The LORD is ahead of me

Judges 4: ¹⁴ Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. ¹⁵ At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.

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“07734” were the numbers I used to type “hELL0” on the bulky calculator of the olden days! This was about the extent of my exposure to computers, yet the industry fascinated me. Four years later I entered college and felt overwhelmed. I didn’t even know where to get registered for my classes. Twenty years later I was the head of a department of technology people.

When I was going through school and entry level jobs, I had no idea what was in store for me. BUT GOD did.

• Sometimes I focus too much on the problems of today.
• Sometimes I want the obstacles to go away by themselves.
• Sometimes I think problems are much greater than they are.

If you would have told me I was going to be the head of a department when I received a letter from the dean stating I was no longer in school, I would have told you, “you are crazy!” BUT GOD said something much different than the problem I was facing at the time.

• GOD knows the plan HE has for me and it is good.
• GOD knows the obstacles I face and knows exactly how to strengthen me with them.
• GOD knows exactly how long to let a problem persist in order for me to fully understand HIS salvation in the matter.

Looking back, I can clearly see that it was GOD all along who was way ahead of me clearing my path. HE fought my battles and comforted me when I fell, over and over. HE taught me to pray for others especially those who do not like me and HE will fight all my battles. HE clears the way!

• Are you facing problems?
• Do you think you are alone?
• Can you look back on your life and see how GOD has worked in your life?
• Won’t you let HIM do marvelous things with your life by following HIS plan for you?

Is the obstacle a test?

Judges 3 These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan² (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):

³ the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. ⁴ They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.

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“Why am I not getting promoted?” ran through my mind on my second and a half job out of college.  It seemed like I would get hired, but not elevated.  “What’s the problem?” I asked someone.  They gave me some tips that I followed to the letter, still no promotion. In fact many people gave me tips here and there and nothing happened.

Finally I met a few mentors who taught me how to face obstacles with resiliency. I got promoted.

• When I want things to come to me easy I have a wrong expectation.
• When I give up too early because it is too hard I have a wrong expectation.
• When I want to sit back and let the plan work itself out I have a wrong expectation.

Obstacles seem to pop up at the worst time and I used to think the Devil was the cause of problems and GOD was in charge of solutions, but I left one person out of the equation, me.

• GOD sometimes wants me to grow so HE places obstacles in my way that I can handle.
• GOD allows me to face the consequences of my sin here on earth so I won’t have to face eternal consequences.
• GOD uses obstacles to get my attention when I have forgotten about HIM or when I think I can survive on my own.

There is a way that seems right to me, but the way of the LORD is far above my thinking. Instead of running away from the obstacle, I must face it no matter how large it may seem because GOD has a plan for it.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you think GOD has left you on your own?
• Can you stop sulking about the obstacle for a moment and look to GOD’s power?
• Won’t you recognize where your talent and abilities come from and thank GOD for the gifts HE has given you?

The Craziest Plan

Joshua 6: ⁴ Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. ⁵ When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

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Spreadsheets, calculators and meetings were my tools to predict what “could” happen. Based on past events and current activity, I developed a mitigation plan that was foolproof! I submitted my plan along with my budget requirements.

Months later I had to request more money because my plan didn’t include another department head pouting nor did I foresee one of our suppliers providing inferior parts. My plan was in shambles!

• GOD laughs at my plans when they don’t include HIM.
• GOD scoffs at any prediction I make for the future.
• GOD looks at my pitiful plan and mocks it when I don’t include HIM.

It seems like even the smallest plan I have won’t come to fruition without GOD. I mean I can work my fingers to the bone but without GOD my plans will fail miserably. On the contrary, it seems like GOD’s plans won’t work. I mean pray, wait and watch don’t seem like a good plan. Maybe GOD needs my help.

• GOD tells me to stand still so I won’t get in the way.
• GOD tells me to watch HIS deliverance so I won’t think I did the work.
• GOD tells me to believe and trust in HIM so I won’t try some crazy tactic that HE will have to clean up later.

GOD’s plan sometimes doesn’t make sense to me. HE tells me to give when I don’t have, trust when things are falling apart and believe when I don’t see. I’m not always successful at it but when I do HE blesses me!

• Are you trying to get out of your trial?
• Why do you think GOD has you in this trial in the first place?
• Can you let HIM work HIS plan in you while you remain “anxious for nothing?”
• Won’t you relax, take a deep breath and believe?

Faith plus actions wins the battle

Exodus 17: ¹⁰ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 

¹² When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

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School seemed like it took forever to complete! It took a lot of painful nights and prayer. Paying off bills seemed to take forever. It took a lot of discipline and prayer. Training for a marathon seemed tedious and time consuming. It took a lot of perseverance and prayer. Why couldn’t GOD just give me the knowledge, money and strength to do what I want to do?

• I want qualities that I may not be ready for.
• I want results without the pain of having my character shaped.
• I want easy living without troubles that may strengthen me.

GOD could have wiped out the army that fought against Israel but HE allowed HIS people to fight and show faith while fighting. GOD used Moses the strength in Moses arms as a gauge for whether they were winning or losing the battle. Meanwhile the soldiers had to actually fight for their lives. Many were wounded but they won the battle.

• GOD strengthens me through trials.
• GOD provides for me through work HE has given me..
• GOD grows me through studying HIS Bible and serving HIS people.

Each trial grows me for GOD’s purpose. As much as I despise the training I love the result!

• Are you going through a battle?
• Do you feel you have to fight for everything right now?
• Can you accept the painful process of GOD growing you?
• Can you take notice of the changes GOD is making in your life for HIS purpose?

Stand Still and watch GOD work

Exodus 14: ¹³ Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

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Technology is great when it works! Today I got up and I go through my usual routine of drinking coffee in order to pry one eye open. I sat down to check my technology security. Since I work with many technology companies, the right hand doesn’t always talk to the left. In other words my usual routine was thrown into a tizzy when I got a message “Access Denied” from my own technology.

Frantically I started making calls. As I spoke to support, they began to panic. Something within me said “calm everyone down” so I did. I got everyone to talk to each other and the problem was because of a simple change that I was not informed about. Something tiny caused a great deal of stress.

• When problems happen I get stressed out.
• When situations happen I start moving faster and faster trying to react before the situation gets worse.
• When trouble happens I squirm until I get out of trouble.

Even experts will say during any emergency, stay calm and I definitely agree. Panicking blinds me and I can’t think or hear. Many times the situation can be alleviated through some simple solution but in a panicked state I dream of big solutions instead of simple. This causes me to panic more!

• GOD says “do not be afraid” which means HE is in control.
• GOD says “stand firm” which means HE will absorb the blow.
• GOD says “today I will see deliverance” which says it all.
• GOD says “HE will fight for me” which means who can beat HIM?

My feeble plans and solutions are nothing compared to the almighty GOD! HE laughs at adversity and sneers at problems. HE commands evil to step back and watch HIS deliverance. I need only to be still.

• Are you in a panicked state?
• Do you see no way out of your situation?
• Can’t you depend on GOD to deliver you?
• Won’t you put your trust in HIM instead of your plans?