23/08/2022 - BECOME EXCEEDINGLY STRONG

• 
• 
• 
• 

Also the Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah. His fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt, for he became exceedingly strong.  2 Chronicles 26.8

The man who is in God’s hands is guided by the Most High and, in the twinkling of an eye, begins to conquer his place in the sun. When you fight together with the Lord against the evil sent by the devil and you defeat it, there is a warning in the hellish kingdom that someone has learned the secrets of victory and must therefore be avoided. But be ready! The evil one will not give up and will work to defeat you (1 Peter 5.8,9). Be vigilant!

Upon hearing that the king of Judah had defeated the Philistines, the Arabians, and the Meunites, the people of Ammon made a pact with Uzziah, for they did not want to lose any of their possessions. But was this really what God wanted, or did He have other plans? As servants of the Lord, we have to stick to His guidelines found in the Word, because He does not want us to enter into bad agreements. Only accept what comes from God.

Receiving something not authorized by Heaven can steal our blessing. So, refuse that which comes from the enemy, because the price to pay for such “favor” is high. However, take hold of everything that comes from the Lord. Being Father and love, He will give His children gifts that they will never regret asking for. The Ammonites preferred to get ahead and offer gifts, so as not to submit completely to Jacob’s sons.

From the human aspect, the Ammonites were wise, for it was better to do this than to pay whatever was imposed on them. In those days, nations considered wars a part of their budget to sustain their expenses. Seeing that Uzziah’s opponents lost, the solution found by the Ammonites was to please the king of Judah. They opted for the least harmful path. Jesus said that the children of this world, in this generation, are wiser than those of the light (Luke 16.8).

In the kingdom of Judah, happiness reigned, for its inhabitants had a leader who enforced their rights. And, by word of mouth, his name became known all the way to the entrance of Egypt. No nation failed to hear the news about this new ruler. In the same way, we need to start winning in all areas, because people will say that we are victorious like God’s people of the past. We must make a difference!

Enough of having the ungodly laugh when we say that God is for us! We need to prove, by our way of life, that this is true. We cannot let the evil one dictate how we should live, what to eat, what to wear, and how to pray. We have the Word of the Lord. In Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8.37). So, take this to heart and do what He commanded Abraham: Be a blessing! (Genesis 12.2b). When you become an overcomer, the Father will be praised!

All of this happened because Uzziah was strengthened in his faith in the Lord. Those who strengthen themselves in the holy Name of the Most High do not lose the battle, but practice righteousness in a wonderful way. How can you not walk by faith in Christ, if with Him there is no risk and no unforeseen event? The Lord guarantees that He will never forsake you (Hebrews 13.5).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares