Arise, Possess Thy Possession

TEXT: JUDGES 6:33-40

Key verse: “But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him” (Judges 6:34).

If we win our internal battles, external aggressions can be easily contained. Our inner fortitude propels us to withstand the storms of life as they come and victory is thus almost certain.

Gideon had just cleansed up the obstacle to spiritual advancement in his father’s house and that of his small tribe - the Abiezrites. The altar of Baal had been pulled down. The initial rage of his tribesmen became abated as the external aggression of the vast number of the Midianites, the Amalekites and the Arabians became imminent. Gideon, the man on whom the “Spirit of the Lord came”, blew the trumpet to gather an army unto himself. The Abiezrites, having realised their folly, were the first to respond to the call. Others, from the tribes of Manasseh, Asher Zebulun and Naphtali, came with zeal too. The leader needlessly again asked from God a confirmation of his being chosen to root out the enemy. The Lord graciously acceded to his request even though it was done out of unbelief. We need to be cleansed inwardly through the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in order to overcome the temptations and trials that confront us in life and faith in God’s ability to save to the uttermost (1 Corinthians 10:13).

A people, tribe or nation will be defended by the Lord only if it walks with the Lord. Those that forget God would incur His wrath (Psalm 9:17). When we are faced with problems that overwhelm us, we need to call upon God in prayer to strengthen our faith. Our faith should rest on God’s promises so that we are not frightened by intimidating circumstances. Unity and oneness of purpose are necessary ingredients to defeat the foe (Psalm 133:1-3). God’s blessings attend our endeavours in such situations. No matter the strength of the enemy, or the arsenal they unleash, if we are right with God, we shall win the battle.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Promised Land is for the valiant in battle.