Judges 3:1-4
We as believers are so blessed to be living in the place of promise where grace and all the blessings of salvation are experienced every single day. We have life to the full, forgiveness, provision, hope, joy, peace and so much more. The Holy Spirit lives in us, He guides us, teaches us, empowers us and protects us. Yet, especially over the past year, we can see our already defeated enemy causing havoc on so many fronts as he knows his time is short (Rev 12:2). In all of the recent chaos there have been so many challenges, but God can use these challenges to a lead us to a state of readiness.
In Judges 3 the Israelites, after many moves of God and amazing victories in previous generations, are living in the place of promise. But God allowed some already defeated enemies to stay in this promised land. Why? Verses 2 tells us clearly that God intentionally left some enemies in place to teach those Israelites, who had no experience of war, how to fight. Verse 4 is even more interesting: “These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses.” (Judges 3:4, NLT).
Many of us in recent years and decades, although we’ve been warned to stand ready to advance (Ephesians 6:10-20), would freely admit that we haven’t been living in a state of preparedness. We have been living in a culture where it has been quite easy to live as a Christian, and even when we have been challenged by quite radical changes to laws (abortion/same sex marriage etc.) and dramatic changes in our culture, we maybe haven’t pressed in to contend for transformation as we should.
I believe one of the many things God is doing in these unique times of challenge is allowing some activity, by an already defeated enemy, to shake believers across Ireland and the world, causing us to see that we can again live in a state of preparedness. Our enemy will try to overthrow God’s purpose in our lives and in the world, but He is already defeated, so let’s take courage and stand strong!
Without any doubt, we are living in times when it is crucial for every believer to be ready for demonically inspired challenges in our society! It’s time to begin to wield those weapons that aren’t carnal, but mighty to pull down strongholds (2 Cor 10:4). The times ahead may well be challenging, but as we walk with Christ, the One who is Lord over every principality, power, ruler and dominion, we will see the Spirit move in ways we’ve only dreamed of…
Remember, we live in the place of promise where we experience all God has for each day. We have peace in every situation and most importantly we have, and always will have, the Prince of Peace. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)
Lord, thank You that although we will experience challenges in this world, we will always have the assurance of Your promises. Help me in these days to live in a state of preparedness, so that if trouble increases, I will have the strength to continue with Your mission and be a channel of hope, joy, peace and love in every situation. Amen