11/02/2022 - THE LORD’S ANSWER

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And the LORD said, Judah shall come up; behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. Judges 1. 2

It had been a long time since Israel had crossed the Jordan River and settled in the Promised Land. But the Israelites had not yet taken over all that was theirs, despite the divine command to do so. In the same way, we have been careless with the saying of the Most High, and because of this we endure oppressions from the enemy with sickness and temptations, even though we have already been healed by Jesus’ wounds (1 Peter 2:24). After all, have we really been taken out of the kingdom of darkness?

We need to examine how we have been living. Although we think we are happy in the Gospel, perhaps we are not paying enough attention to God’s will. The Scriptures instruct us to carefully check how we are walking in faith in Christ: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise (Ephesians 5:15). To be unaware of our obligations is a great error, for which we will have to give an account on the Day of Judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10).

There was no lack of warnings from Heaven for the sons of Jacob, for at that time the Lord spoke to them through prophets and dreams (1 Samuel 28:15). As for getting an answer from God, Jesus assured us that we will be answered: For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened (Luke 11:10). Have we been doing our part, or have we failed to observe what the Master said? Well, the Word will always be fulfilled!

When we do not walk by faith, we act on our own, but since we are servants of the Most High, we must seek Him, lest we sin. So says the Bible: But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23). So, if a simple doubt in the heart leads us to sin, even if we do something not forbidden – like eating meat, for example – how much more our decisions regarding serious things! Mercy, Lord! Therefore, face the doubts cast against you with the shield of faith and do not let them prosper in your heart (Ephesians 6:16).

In the sincerity of their hearts, the Israelites prayed to the Lord, asking: Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, “Who shall be first to go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?” (Judges 1:1). Having received from God the answer, Judah made an alliance with Simeon and together they went to war against the Canaanites. This gave them confidence to overcome them and also the other tribes to take their share.

Evaluate what the enemy has done to you and go to war against him. Keeping the child of God away from the divine promises, or of the healing of your ills and deliverance from all temptations, is one of Hell’s tactics to keep you from assuming your rights in Christ. Jesus purchased for us everything that concerns life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). No blessing recorded in the Bible will be denied (Psalm 84:11). The earth has already been given to you!

Climb up to take hold of everything that is yours. As long as you are undecided, you will not live in abundance, the enemy will keep harassing you, and with that, you will not please God. The Lord’s answer fills your inquiries. Therefore, be strong and firm to take hold of the right to use the Name of Jesus and take up what is given to you in Christ. If you are not yet saved, do not put it off for later and accept Jesus as your Savior now. If you are in sin, repent and confess!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares