I always love to see how God rewards his faithful people and helps them be victorious. Moses’ recollection of these triumphant events gives us reason to cheer! The people trusted. It wasn’t the people’s might that won the battle but God’s hand of guidance and assistance.
Let’s take a closer look. We already know that God had told the people to avoid conflict with Ammonites and Moabites. Those were distant relatives; a people God had chosen to bless and protect. The protection went both ways. Moses reminds them that they were able to pass through these regions in safety because of God’s blessing.
Let’s take a look at what happened though with King Sihon of Heshbon. What did Moses try first? It was a peace seeking mission asking for permission to simply pass through the region. That seems like a reasonable request, doesn’t it? Yet, God wanted to use this as a teachable moment of trust. Moses reminds us that “King Sihon of Heshbon refused to allow us to pass through, because the Lord your God made Sihon stubborn and defiant so he could help you defeat him.”
God can intervene in some interesting ways. It does us good to remember that. The defeat did happen. God equipped his own people to destroy the people of the stubborn king, grab their goods, and make it safely through their land. Do you think the people were impressed by God? Do you think they gave God the credit for what had just happened? Moses did well to remind them it was truly God’s victory.
We have a powerful and purpose-driven God. What do you think he is up to these days? I wish we had a Moses type leader to speak messages from God. But God is using prophets today. We just need to be careful because there are many more false prophets trying to seduce and confuse us.
God is alive and well and working through his people. All I have to do is look around during this pandemic crisis and see the good happening. God is enlisting his people to make a difference. We can each play a role in the recovery, safety, and endurance during this time. Even when this world crisis is behind us, there will be some new challenge facing us. We must always be on alert and ready to listen to God’s plan for our victory.
Sometimes I feel like my life is a big test. There seems to be one new challenge or stumbling block around every corner. I sometimes feel like I am battling uphill. How will I respond? What message will I let rule my life? Will I be a worrier or a warrior? Take some time today to thank God for equipping you for such a time as this. Don’t let the stubborn “kings” of our day keep you stuck.
Let’s pray … Lord, forgive me when I let myself get caught up in the negativity and help me look on the bright side. Help me to see the good in all things. May I not focus on what is but what you want it to be. May I trust you for my life and my safety. If I am facing a stubborn “king,” give me the wisdom to handle and defeat. Use me as your instrument of peace and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
