God Goes First

"Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, 'Who can stand before the sons of Anak?' Know therefore today that it is the Lord your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the Lord has spoken to you." -Deuteronomy 9.1-3

As Moses talks to the people he reminds them of the greatness of the inhabitants of the land. They are mighty and live it strong walled cities. It was this same information brought back by the spies forty years ago that has put them in this place at this moment. Four decades earlier the people had decide that the risk was too great and that going back to Egypt was a better idea. And now when the time comes to try again, Moses reminds them again about the people, but tells them that God is going ahead of them to prepare the victories for Israel.

Israel is not leading the charge. They will not be the first ones to charge the gates, or storm the walls. God is going first, and all Israel has to do is follow Him to victory. God never loses, and He always keeps His promises. He has promised to bring Israel into this land, and He is going ahead of them to deliver on that promise. The people simply have the faith to follow Him.

Men, we all face battles and difficulties. We all face giants who are secure behind strong fortified walls. But if the battle is one that God has led us into, He has already prepared the victory. We simply need to have the courage to follow as He leads, and obey His orders. God goes first and leads the charge.

Now I need to clarify, not all the battles we fight are God's battles. There are times we decide to lead our own charge and storm a castle that God does not intend for us to take. We might attain victory, but it isn't a victory that God desires. May we seek to only follow His leading. May we seek His will on what battles we are to fight, and save our strength for those.

God goes first, leading His people into battle. Let us courageously follow Him and receive the victory that He has prepared.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor