When I was in 9th grade i had a tough year. My parents were going through some serious issues, 9th grade is hard already, my friends were all changing, and I seemed to be getting left behind. I also was extremely obnoxious and would vent my frustrations in life by making fun of people. For me it was a fun way to release hurt and anger and I was good at it. I could drop one liners about people's physical, mental, or social mishaps and people would laugh. I liked the feeling of being funny to people, at this point in life it was all I had. But one day I made fun of the wrong guy. I don't even remember his name but I thought it would be hilarious to make fun of this one kid not knowing he was related to half of the school. Of course word got back to him and my little game of humor at other people's expense came to an abrupt end when one of the kids crazy cousins got in my face in the cafeteria. At this point in life I had already gotten into 3 fights (I had a record of 1-2) and did not like my odds against this seasoned fighter. So I did what all people in the situation would do, I promised not to do it again- just to get out of the situation, and then found my biggest friend (star football player I sang in choir with) to defend me. After I shared the story (well not the whole truth, just the part about the guys challenging me) my big football friend got up in the guy's face and did the old "if you got a problem with Jason , you got a problem with me." He ended up backing off and the rest of the time I was at that school, I walked in confidence that no matter where I went I was safe. It s crazy how much different life is when you aren't looking over your shoulder, when you know that somebody has your back (and your front and sides for that matter).
In Deuteronomy, Moses recalls the disobedience of the Israelites when they grumbled against God about having to face a bigger and stronger people to take land God had promised them. Because of their rebellion the Israelites were cursed and not allowed to enter the promised land. When faced with those consequences they decided they would in fact take the land because they didn't want to miss out on the blessing that they had lost. The problem is that once God had made His decision it was final. God warned them that if they tried to take the land, that He would not be with them and that they would be defeated. The scripture says that in arrogance they marched into battle only to face a terrible defeat. Not only did they loose the battle but upon their return they cried out to God but He didn't even listen to them.
God removed His presence from them because of their disobedience and their lack of trust in Him. They believed that they could do it alone and therefore failed and missed out on the fellowship they had with God.
In this life you and I will face many fights, many battles. The truth is that many times our enemies, or our circumstances are way bigger and stronger than us. You and I have two options when facing them; 1. Walk in obedience to God even when it doesn't look like a victory is possible (like when God first told the Israelites to take the land) or 2. Trust your own abilities, strengths, ideas, desires and thoughts and fight alone. (like the Israelites when God had judged their unbelief)
Also a side note, sometimes the battles we are in are not because we are all spiritual and we are being tested...it is because we got ourselves into the mess in the first place (like my story). God desires for us to be broken from our arrogance so we may learn to trust in Him. So next time you are marching up the hill to take on an enemy take some time to figure out if you are fighting because God called you too, or because you just want to reap the rewards of the victory...(just a quick heads up.....if He isn't with you, you are going to lose)
In Deuteronomy, Moses recalls the disobedience of the Israelites when they grumbled against God about having to face a bigger and stronger people to take land God had promised them. Because of their rebellion the Israelites were cursed and not allowed to enter the promised land. When faced with those consequences they decided they would in fact take the land because they didn't want to miss out on the blessing that they had lost. The problem is that once God had made His decision it was final. God warned them that if they tried to take the land, that He would not be with them and that they would be defeated. The scripture says that in arrogance they marched into battle only to face a terrible defeat. Not only did they loose the battle but upon their return they cried out to God but He didn't even listen to them.
God removed His presence from them because of their disobedience and their lack of trust in Him. They believed that they could do it alone and therefore failed and missed out on the fellowship they had with God.
In this life you and I will face many fights, many battles. The truth is that many times our enemies, or our circumstances are way bigger and stronger than us. You and I have two options when facing them; 1. Walk in obedience to God even when it doesn't look like a victory is possible (like when God first told the Israelites to take the land) or 2. Trust your own abilities, strengths, ideas, desires and thoughts and fight alone. (like the Israelites when God had judged their unbelief)
Also a side note, sometimes the battles we are in are not because we are all spiritual and we are being tested...it is because we got ourselves into the mess in the first place (like my story). God desires for us to be broken from our arrogance so we may learn to trust in Him. So next time you are marching up the hill to take on an enemy take some time to figure out if you are fighting because God called you too, or because you just want to reap the rewards of the victory...(just a quick heads up.....if He isn't with you, you are going to lose)
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