Factors in Defeating an Enemy - Numbers 31-33 and Mark 9:1-29
All of us have enemies. Ultimately, our enemy is Satan, but he and his demons will throw everything possible against us to defeat us. Therefore, we are constantly fighting spiritual battles to defeat enemies. What does it take to be victorious? These passages show us several factors in defeating an enemy. I pray that God will speak to each of us about these factors as we read His Word.
In Numbers 31 the Israelites won a great victory against Midian. One of the main factors in this victory was that they were acting upon the command of God. The Midianites had tempted Israel to sin, so God commanded the new generation to defeat them, before they entered the Promised Land. God knew that this was a good battle to fight and that it was the right time. Therefore, He sent them into battle, and they went in response to His direction. We must move when God tells us to move. God's commands are not negotiable. If we obey His directions, He will give us victory. If we delay or ignore Him, we will be defeated.
Numbers 32 is a long discussion of the two and a half tribes who requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, because it was such a good place for livestock. Their request was granted only after they agreed to fight with their brothers until Canaan was totally subdued. The factor here is unity. There is a great strength and a great encouragement in being a part of a unified group. That is what Moses told them. If they did not go to fight, it would discourage the others. The same thing happens today, when there is a lack of unity. Discouragement brings defeat. Encouragement brings victory. We all need to be unified in doing God's will, and we need to be encouragers.
Mark 9 is very interesting when it comes to being victorious. What was Jesus doing when He was transfigured on the mountain? He was talking with two faithful believers who had followed God through great difficulty. Why did Jesus need to do this? It always helps us to hear from those who have already won the victory. There is great strength that comes from hearing how they won the victory. The humanity of Jesus needed this encouragement. He was about to face the most horrible physical pain that He could ever endure. God, the Father, wanted Him to have all of the inspiration to succeed that He needed to carry out the greatest task in history. Then, when they came down from the mountain the other disciples had failed to cast out the demon from the man's son. Jesus told the man that if he could have faith all things were possible. That is a huge factor in defeating enemies. God honors faith. He responds when we trust Him. Then, how do we show we are trusting Him? We pray and we even fast, so we can concentrate on the Lord as the source of victory even more. Jesus told His disciples that some victories are only won by prayer and fasting. We need to hear that word. How many times have we been defeated because of a lack of prayer?
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 34-36 and Mark 9:30-50.
In Numbers 31 the Israelites won a great victory against Midian. One of the main factors in this victory was that they were acting upon the command of God. The Midianites had tempted Israel to sin, so God commanded the new generation to defeat them, before they entered the Promised Land. God knew that this was a good battle to fight and that it was the right time. Therefore, He sent them into battle, and they went in response to His direction. We must move when God tells us to move. God's commands are not negotiable. If we obey His directions, He will give us victory. If we delay or ignore Him, we will be defeated.
Numbers 32 is a long discussion of the two and a half tribes who requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, because it was such a good place for livestock. Their request was granted only after they agreed to fight with their brothers until Canaan was totally subdued. The factor here is unity. There is a great strength and a great encouragement in being a part of a unified group. That is what Moses told them. If they did not go to fight, it would discourage the others. The same thing happens today, when there is a lack of unity. Discouragement brings defeat. Encouragement brings victory. We all need to be unified in doing God's will, and we need to be encouragers.
Mark 9 is very interesting when it comes to being victorious. What was Jesus doing when He was transfigured on the mountain? He was talking with two faithful believers who had followed God through great difficulty. Why did Jesus need to do this? It always helps us to hear from those who have already won the victory. There is great strength that comes from hearing how they won the victory. The humanity of Jesus needed this encouragement. He was about to face the most horrible physical pain that He could ever endure. God, the Father, wanted Him to have all of the inspiration to succeed that He needed to carry out the greatest task in history. Then, when they came down from the mountain the other disciples had failed to cast out the demon from the man's son. Jesus told the man that if he could have faith all things were possible. That is a huge factor in defeating enemies. God honors faith. He responds when we trust Him. Then, how do we show we are trusting Him? We pray and we even fast, so we can concentrate on the Lord as the source of victory even more. Jesus told His disciples that some victories are only won by prayer and fasting. We need to hear that word. How many times have we been defeated because of a lack of prayer?
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 34-36 and Mark 9:30-50.