10/10/2012 - Don’t give the adversary any strength

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Now when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers and brought the Syrians who were beyond the River, and Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army went before them.

I Chronicles 19: 16

Joab – chief commander of the army of Israel – gave David a report on how the Ammonites had been defeated in spite of all their weaponry. In view of such report the king could make an assessment on the risk his people were taking and, in the end, he undoubtedly praised The Lord for their deliverance. On top of that, being an experienced man who knew the sort of anointing lying upon himself, David felt that, on account of his enemy’s coming back, he needed to command a counter-attack which he did with no hesitation.

In their first attack, those who had made an allegiance with the children of Ammon couldn’t match the Israelites’ anointing and divine expertise. Yet, gathered together again and determined to defeat the people of God, they set out once more to strike a fresh assault. Yet, David knew that one must never mess with the enemy or his schemes; so, soon afterwards, he gathered the whole army of Israel to resist those who wished the destruction of his people.

The news that the enemy forces, gathered again, were walking against the people of God didn’t take long to get to the ears of Shophach – chief commander of Hadadezer’s army. Now, we mustn’t underestimate an assault which might seem to be insignificant and that’s why it’s absolutely important for us to recall this warnings of The Lord Jesus: a demon once expelled may come back along with seven worse to go inside an empty, clean and decorated house (Mathew 12: 43 – 45; Luke 11: 24 – 26).

Being aware of how obstinate his adversary is and also bearing in mind his military power David went off to face him with all the army of Israel since he knew that, had he postponed it, he’d be committing a huge error. So, here is a lesson for you to learn, “always be determined to face all powers which come against you and your family and, at the least evidence of assault, you must go for the battle determined with all your heart”.

In spite of all the strength of the enemy it was proved once more that The Lord was walking before His people considering that the defeat imposed on the children of Ammon turned out to be enormous. We, the children of God, need to bear in mind that there’s an enemy out there who loathes us and, precisely for that reason, he wants to exterminate us for good. Yet, never mind about where the combat might be taking place or which attack might be coming against us since we’re more than winners in each battle  (Romans 8: 37).

Therefore, stand always firm, decided and determined! That’s what motivated the Syrians never to be willing to assist the Ammonites any longer. Those who make a run from the fight or who ignore it altogether are bound to experience a series of failures; so, don’t give up! God will assist you till the devil is convinced that it’s worthless to stand up against your life. The only way to enjoy peace is to believe in The Lord and to give no room to your opponent.

Now, in view of that reality you ought to look into yourself and see if there’s any wrongdoing going on with you now! What harm has the devil been doing to you? If you keep on moaning you’ll be giving the devil strength. Therefore, be strong to put into practice your authority because those who have The Most High by their side will never be defeated.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares