Devotional - March 14, 2004

Many Israelites were captured when the Canaanites attacked them. It was then that the Israelites called on God and promised to wipe them and their cities from the face of the earth if God gave them victory over their enemy. In Numbers we learn that's exactly what happened and when the battle was over, the Israelites named the battleground Hormah meaning "destruction."

Probably the most misunderstood principle among Christians today is the requirements of obedience. God taught the Israelites, and us through them, that the first step in obedience is destruction. That is, when God moves in your life it is imperative to remove anything that hinders you from being what God expects you to be. The Israelites knew the Canaanites would rise up again if they didn't remove, not only the present danger but also the future threat.

I'm afraid however that most of us, when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds against us, give up. We count our losses and surrender rather than tighten our belt and stand fast against the enemy. Mary, Jesus' mother on the other hand, is a perfect example of assuming one's position and allowing God to take care of the planning and the battle. She didn't understand how God's plan could work, but the angel told Mary in words that are as potent today as then: "Nothing is impossible with God." (Lu 1:35-38)

Have you learned the truth that nothing is impossible with God? No? Answer this: How can you expect to learn if it's true if you never test it?

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Nm. 21:1-22:20 Lk. 1:26-56 Ps. 57:1-11 Pr. 11:9-11 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society