But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the Israelites who delivered them, Othniel some of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel; he went out to war, and the Lord gave King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. So the land had rest forty years. Judges 3:9-10
When reading this yesterday during my devotional time, I sat in awe and marveled on the graciousness and faithfulness of our God as I read what was occurring in the lives of the Israelites and even reminiscing on events that have transpired in my own life, which provided me with a new fresh wind of peace that flooded within. I again began to just thank Him for His protection and provision. In times of uncertainty, in times of unrest, in times of feeling unsettled and even in times of doubt. But with just one reminder and one verse, it is amazing how God’s care for us creates a sense of hope and assurance of a future that if we were to see through the lens of the world is void of that word:hope.
I am even more aware in these times of great darkness that if we are not in this place of active discovery of how the Lord continues to look after His people, we are missing the very true nature of our loving Father. He hears us. He is listening to us. He is in every detail; even in the thick darkness. He is ever present and understands our prayers even when we do not. I am reminded of Paul and Silas (Acts 17) , being persecuted and landing up in prison but praying and praising God until they too were delivered from the very bondage that man placed in their path.
And just like those Israelites crying out to the Lord and the Lord hearing them and raising up someone who delivered them out of their circumstances, God can do the same thing in an instance. But we must seek Him and have faith in His ability. We have no idea what God may up to, but He is always doing something that we cannot even fathom. Our job is to trust and serve Him; to love others and to pray for everyone (even our enemies; yes even them) .
The body of Christ is in this earth for such a time as this so let us rise out of any feeling of defeat and despair and get off our feet and kneel in His presence in deep reflection, thankfulness and prayer.
Stay Encouraged.
Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.
Complete Your Calling 