Often times we see a problem in our life: jealousy, anger, un-forgiveness, self-pity, etc., but we don’t know how to defeat it or move past it. Because Jesus defeated the real enemy at the cross, we have the right to freedom, but sometimes we need to know how to reclaim it and walk in it.
In Joshua 8:1-2, The Lord said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid or give up. Lead all your fighting men to Ai. I will help you defeat the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. You will do to Ai and its king what you did to Jericho and its kings. Only this time you may take all the wealth and keep it for yourselves. Now tell some of your soldiers to set up an ambush behind the city.” (read more here)
Joshua obeyed and sure enough, the men of Ai took the bait and chased after Joshua’s men in front of the city, leaving the city open and vulnerable to the ambush that awaited them.
God gave victory to Joshua and his men, but notice He didn’t just tell them the target, He:
- Encouraged them not to be afraid,
- Identified the target enemy,
- Told how to defeat his enemy, and
- Promised blessings for them.
What is your “king of Ai?” What enemy is in front of you preventing you from moving forward? Could it be your past or bitterness, fear, judgments, etc.?
We all have a “past” and it can prevent us from moving forward. Don’t let your past define you—God doesn’t.
I believe God’s heart to us says, “It’s time to move forward.” Its time to face the land and take it. How? God will show you how to defeat those kings, cities and lands. He will help you defeat those monsters from your past that keep trying to rear their ugly heads. You will not, however, be going on this adventure alone. You are going with God, and He is not the sidekick; you are.
Better than that, you are His child, His own, and He has a huge interest in protecting what is His.
Psalm 91:1-2 says, “Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you. God will save you from hidden traps…” (read more here)
Personally, the enemy facing me right now is bitterness. I can see it for what it is and it is ugly. I looked up to God and said, “Okay, now what? Where do we go from here?” After days of praying about this and simply feeling sad and beat down, God spoke to my heart about letting go of some expectations that I held.
On my own, I never would have thought of this. I can’t tell you how genius this was and effective as the first of many steps to move forward. I was able to pray and release some things to the Lord and I felt that first wave of peace. I know there is more to come, because I trust God to continue to take me farther away from my past. Together we can walk this out in joy.
What is it you want to walk away from?
Ask Him for encouragement, and to help you identify it, ambush it and receive the blessings as you walk forward.
He is the highest authority; there is none other or greater than our God. He is the wisest, most strategic, all knowing God, and He happens to be the one who set His affections on you.
God has blessings for us, just like for Joshua. He not only helped them defeat their enemy, but blessed them and heaped upon them wealth that they never worked for or earned. That is our God; He is extravagant.
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” (2 Ch 20:17)
