A couple of years ago, my husband Greg and our son Joshua went to a father son retreat. During the outing, one of the other boys there (about 12 years of age) started bullying Joshua (who was only 5 or 6 at the time). He pushed him pretty hard (for no reason) and proceeded to do it again...that is until he got a glimpse of Joshua's daddy. Greg quickly stood behind Joshua and made it pretty clear that if he saw the boy so much as look at our son crosswise...he'd be contending with someone a whole lot bigger... the boy quickly backed away.
"...I will contend the one who contends with you..." (Isaiah 49:25)
Wow. Now that's a promise! Can't you just hear God whispering..."Don't worry...I got you covered."
It comforts me to think that as Satan comes against me...he quickly backs off like the big bully did when he saw Joshua's daddy standing behind him.
Isaiah 49 is my theme passage of Scripture for this year. I read it several times each week and love how God promises that He will contend with those who contend with us and that "Those who hopefully wait for (Him) will not be put to shame." (Is. 49:23)
Friends, we are not alone. God is with us. And we will not be put to shame. He is our strength. Our hope. Our FATHER. So, no matter what comes against us...Our God is Bigger...Our God is stronger...Our God is higher than any other. (Don't you just love that Chris Tomlin song?)
So what giants are you facing? What opposes you? What contends against you? What big bully is pushing and shoving you around? Stand your ground. You will not be defeated. After all, "If God is for us, who can stand against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Today, I'm praying you witness first hand the provision and protection of our God and that the peace of God fills your heart as you embrace His promise..."I will contend with the one who contends with you."
PS. Keep me in your prayers. I preach 3 times today. I need good rest. Also, my luggage still hasn't arrived...pray it makes it here safely today and that I have it by tonight.
PRAYER: Father, thank you that we are not alone. Thank you that you are near. Thank you that YOU contend with those who contend with us. Be our provision and may we witness first hand your mighty provisions and protection. We give you all our love. Use us for your glory today. In Jesus name...amen.
Confirmation for me... I felt that the Lord said "I've got your back."
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you :)
Julie, what a great post. I love this! It is so awesome to remember God has our back. Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes it is so obviouse that our challanges come directly from the enemy, sometimes not. This encourages me to proclaim what I know to be true and to look to the One who is mighty to save in both the small circumstances and the big ones!
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