17/09/2015 - GOD’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS

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Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel. 1 Samuel 7.10

The Philistines dared to fight against the people of God and took away the ark of the Lord. However, after being severely reprehended by the Most High, they had to return it. Then, since Samuel was the prophet of the children of Israel, he guaranteed them that if they returned to the Most High with all of their hearts and only served Him, rejecting foreign gods and mystical things in their midst, they would be protected and delivered from the hands of the Philistines. And so it happened.

It seemed like Jabin, king of Canaan, was invincible. He oppressed Israel for 20 years, and with his 900 chariots of iron, he did not allow part of God’s people to have the smallest glimmer of freedom. However, the Israelites cried out to the Lord, who brought a series of events that delivered them. Even the small River Kishon cooperated, driving away part of the oppressing army, and therefore, its name became the river of battles.

On the days of Elisha, the Most High operated in a special way through this prophet’s ministry. He started to be used when he took Elijah’s robes and divided the River Jordan into two. The records of this man of God’s wonders show that he was used in extraordinary ways. We are now in the moment where we have to believe in the Lord so that He may do special and awesome things in our days, which will serve as signs for the salvation of many.

The descendants of Lot, Ammon, and Moab, and the inhabitants of the mountains of Seir gathered to expel Judah from the land. The people of God prayed, and a prophet oriented King Jehoshaphat to fight in a different way. They were supposed to go to the place of the battle, and praise the Lord before the enemy. It was done so, and they did not have to lift a hand against their enemies, for the Most High made them destroy themselves (2 Chronicles 20:22,23).

The church of Jerusalem experienced a tremendous growth in the days of Peter, for multitudes were coming to the Lord. What called their attention was the special manifestation of the Most High through His apostle: even his shadow was used to heal the sick and the oppressed. They were put in their beds, and while Peter passed, God healed those who were reached by the shadow of His servant.

Paul felt he should use aprons and handkerchiefs from his own body so that the sick might be healed and demons rebuked. This proves that the Lord has not stopped to use special forms in the New Testament. He still operates wonders, miracles, and signs. Why did it happen in those days? Because the apostle believed so. If we believe, we will also see special operations.

Were these reports placed in the Bible so that the mystics could exist? Of course not. It was for us to learn to believe in the Lord when He speaks to us. Those who follow divine orders can be certain that the Most High never fails. Even if everything may pass, His eternal Word will be fulfilled completely. Be flexible and allow God to lead you.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares