Quite often deep disappointments like the one many went through on Saturday in Maharashtra are God’s way of saying, “Now Allow Me!”
In the Old Testament, there are several instances where God expresses anger or disappointment when His people, the Israelites, fail to seek His help or guidance in battle and instead, rely on their own strength, strategies, or alliances with other nations.
In the Battle of Ai, Joshua 7, after their initial victory in Jericho, the Israelites became overconfident and decide to attack the smaller town of Ai without seeking God's guidance. They suffer a humiliating defeat, and God reveals that their disobedience and lack of faith were the reasons for their failure.
In the alliance with Egypt, Isaiah 30-31, during the reign of King Hezekiah, the Israelites form an alliance with Egypt to counter the threat of the Assyrian Empire. However, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, condemning their reliance on human alliances rather than trusting in Him.
But in the battle of the Valley of Rephaim, 2 Samuel 5:17-25, when the Philistines attack the Israelites, King David inquires of God whether he should go to battle. God responds, "Do not go up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees" (2 Samuel 5:23). David obeys, and God gives them a great victory.
Now let’s actually hear God say, “Allow Me”
In the book of Judges, we find the inspiring story of Gideon, a humble and unlikely hero who learned to trust in God's power and provision, even when all else seemed to fail.
Gideon's story begins with Israel in a state of crisis. The Midianites, a powerful and oppressive enemy, had been terrorizing the Israelites for seven years, leaving them impoverished and desperate (Judges 6:1-6).
The outcome of the battle was nothing short of miraculous. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Gideon's army emerged victorious, with the Midianites fleeing in panic (Judges 7:15-22).
The Lord said to Gideon, “With three hundred men…I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” 8 So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred…. who won the battle against how many?
Against one hundred and thirty two thousand of the enemy!
Gideon's story teaches us that when all else fails, God doesn't. Even in the midst of overwhelming challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God remains faithful and powerful.
As Gideon learned, let us also learn to rely, fully, wholly and completely on God's power. And what seems to be seemingly impossible situations are opportunities for God to demonstrate His strength and provision.
I think, now that all else has failed, let us watch and see the omnipotent power of an all powerful God at work in our country..!
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