Topic: Raised by God

Text: Judges 3:7-11

Key verse: But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb\’s younger brother.

As long as people keep God\’s commandments there is peace and rest for all. When anyone breaks those laws there are consequences not only for him but for those around him. When people sin against God it provokes the Lord to anger and he takes away his covering from them and they become victims to the enemy nations around them.

The sins here may just be unbelief, unforgiveness, disobedience or fear.  Trusting in self, men or systems instead of God can expose you to God\’s judgments. These judgments can manifest in form of failure, loss even ill health or conflicts. These difficulties will last for as long as possible until you cry out sincerely to God for mercy. We normally don\’t cry until we have exhausted all our ideas and goodwill with men. God is so merciful, he always hearkens to the cry of his people, and he will always raise a man as a solution to the problem. God raised Othniel, it was a process. He raised him to become a deliverer. This means God gave him a willing heart to contend for his deliverance and that of the people, and the courage to believe that their enemies would be defeated. The Spirit of God came upon him to empower and guide him in warfare.

The enemy\’s strategy is to cripple you with fear, until you become so weak in faith to fight back. He will also turn your eyes on people as your enemies, producing anger, bitterness and hatred. The joy of the Lord is your strength, anything that steals your joy, is a threat to your victory. Guard you joy level with all you\’ve got.

You can\’t win the fight, against the devil with any other spirit except the spirit of God. The spirit of anger or pride cannot overcome any spirit in the kingdom of darkness. It is only light that can overcome darkness. God will raise you as he works on your heart, he will teach you spiritual warfare as you submit to the word; remember the sword of the spirit is the word of God.

You will rise up a judge in your family, community or organization, becoming an influencer of others, providing leadership to them until they enjoy victory and rest for many years. Your suffering is meant to train you for the mission. Don\’t waste your pain. Let it serve others and give them rest.

Roses&Thorns