God looks for opportunities to show Himself strong in the lives of His saints. This is true both historically and in the lives of His people living today.
God has a calling on each man’s life. Furthermore, He enables men to fulfill their appointed work. Man, however, must be strong and DO the work.
God works in mysterious ways! At times, in order to bring about His desired plan in the lives of His own people, the Lord strengthens the hands of His enemies.
Perceived strength can be one’s own worst enemy. After all, it leads people to think that they are more powerful and capable than they really are.
Man is not promised an endless supply of strength for him to store up. Rather, God promises to provide the necessary grace and strength for the present trials.
Change often results in fear. As such, it must be met with strength. Failure to do so can breed panic that only God's strength can overcome.
Sometimes we forget that the first four letters of the word ministry spell out the word “mini.” Ministry is never about becoming popular or famous or lording over others. Ministry involves decreasing while allowing others to increase. Two of the greatest men of the Bible (Joshua and Elisha) got their start as ministers to their predecessors. Before Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, he was the minister of Moses (Joshua 1:1). His ministry entailed submitting himself to the needs of the man of God. Elisha, another great leader, did not begin as the great prophet of God that performed miracles. He, instead, began as Elijah’s minister (1 Kings 19:19-21). His ministry included the “lofty task” of pouring water on the hands of Elijah. Far too many young men graduate Bible college with the intention of making a name for themselves rather than humbly serving a God who humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8).
The Lord brought the children of Israel out of their long captivity in Egypt with a mighty hand. God intended to lead them directly into the land of promise; however, the people's disobedience hindered the outcome. Numbers chapter 13 records the people's decision to send spies into the land. These twelve spies, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, returned with a report of unbelief. Because of the spies' evil report, the Israelites feared to enter the land. Their unilateral decision provoked the Lord so much that He told them that they would die in the wilderness (with the exception of the two faithful witnesses). The people were immediately troubled by God's judgment so they decided to take matters into their own hands. Now they were “ready” to take the land, but the Lord was no longer going to accompany them into battle. This battle, which could have been easily won with the Lord's help, was lost because of disobedience (or delayed obedience). Proper obedience must be done in the proper time and according to God's timetable. The right decision made too late is the wrong decision.
