May 15, 1999, Saturday

Does a small, lesser advantaged country have any hope in

a war against a bigger more powerful country? Could it be

possible that supernatural forces could intervene? Does it

seem that the purpose is lost in conflicts?

The Scripture tells us that the Philistines invaded the

Israelites on different occasions. On this occasion the

Israelites had begun to seek God by repentance, reform,

and resistance to temptation. Discouragement came when

they saw the great forces against them; But God helped-

"Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the

Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the

Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines

that day, and so confused them that they were overcome

before Israel" (1Sam 7:10). Samuel was grateful to God

and remembered that God was his Ebenezer on that day.

Neither inward corruption nor outward persecution will

overcome against God's Believer or the Church. Renewed

victory will always be the hope of His precious people!

Isaiah preached to God's precious people to warn of the

danger to the unfaithful. Even though the host of God's

angels camp around the Believer, He will turn to fight

against those that are following Him by their words only-

"From the Lord of hosts you will be punished with thunder

and earthquake and loud noise, With whirlwind and tempest

and the flame of a consuming fire" (Isa 29:6). With the

same wrath that He comes against His enemies, He promises

to fight against those that profess Him because they are

denying Him by their actions. Israel experienced defeat on

many occasions because they turned from obeying God.

Paul wrote to the Hebrews to explain the difference that

the person without Christ that God rebukes and the person

with Christ that God rebukes to encourage him to submit-

"Have you forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you

as to sons: "My son, do not despise the Lord's chastening

and do not faint against the rebuke of God" (Heb 12:5).

The rebuke and discipline of God against the Believer is

for his good. The purpose of God's correction is not to

condemn His Believers, but to bring an ultimate victory

in holiness and peace. It may seem that the life of the

Believer is in a state of perpetual childhood, but God

promises a victory to the faithful one that will persevere

to the end!

Let us remember the God that is our Captain. God's name

is Jehová Sabaoth. He is the God who is the Captain and

Lord of The Hosts of Heaven. He is the Mighty Conqueror

over all of His enemies. He is mighty in battle and able to

lead His Host to victory. Lift your hands to Him and Praise

Him today for the fact that He is the God who is our Captain

that leads us to our victory! He teaches us to overcome!