Groups Guy

God’s power in our lives is what has always gotten God’s people through the challenges. Israel asked a great question as they were about to enter into the Promised Land. In Dt 7:17 they say, “How will we drive them out?” Israel knew the odds and the power were not on their side. It looked like they would be routed. So they ask the Lord, “How is this going to work? We can’t possibly do it.”

This same question is asked years later by Gideon after the angel of the Lord commissioned him to free Israel from an aggressor. Judges 6:15 “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my family.” Gideon was saying, “Are you kidding?? I got nothing to give. I’m not strong or powerful. I am puny compared to this king I’m supposed to defeat.”

So what does God say to us when life’s challenges look like they could overwhelm us?

Here’s one that has stuck with me from the book of Joshua. The scene is the final speech Joshua is giving to Israel. He is reminding them all the Lord had done to conquer the land, the promised land given to them. Joshua 24:12 “I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow.”

This is what God did for the nation of Israel. He sent the hornet ahead of them. The Lord had his plan in place and went before them with the hornet to irritate, to terrorize. The little nasty hornet was sent to initiate the battle. It softened the enemy. This verse says that the hornet actually drove them out before the nation. To make the point again God finishes the verse by saying, “It wasn’t with your sword or bow.” God made a way for Israel. He did the fighting.

So how are you going to face that very difficult, scary, painful situation this week? May you know today the power that can only come from the hand of God. May you see Him send the hornet ahead of you, so you may walk along the path he has chosen for you.