He is the all-powerful One
This past weekend a wind storm ripped through Western New York. Where I live, we lost power. Many streets were littered with fallen trees and live wires. Even some traffic lights either stopped working or were blown away.
This morning during my commute into the city I needed to use an intersection where the traffic lights have not yet been replaced. Temporary stop signs are currently being used. Seeing the makeshift signs in the street is a reminder of just how powerful the wind is. It is invisible but its force is undeniable—just like our great God.
In 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines underestimated the power of our invisible yet invincible God. During a time when Israel had given itself over to sin, God allowed the enemy to steal the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred symbol of the presence of God. So the Philistines took the Ark to a city called Ashdod and placed it in their temple next to a false god, Dagon.
The Philistines believed that Dagon, which was half man, half fish, had the power to grant worshipers fertility and agricultural abundance. But God was about to prove a point: no other power can stand before Him.
According to verse 3, early in the morning when the people of Ashdod got up, they found Dagon fallen on his face on the ground in front of the ark of the Lord. Even false idols must bow!
Well, the people sat him back up. The following morning, they found the idol fallen again. This time, his head and hands had been broken off. Only his body remained. But that wasn’t the only thing that happened. According to verse 6, God brought devastation on the people of Ashdod and afflicted them with tumors. Things got so severe, in fact, they got rid of the Ark of the Covenant altogether. They wanted no parts of it!
Israel’s foes learned quickly that God’s power is real. He is greater than any enemy that comes against Him, and His power fights against any enemy that comes to attack you.
“Don’t fret because you’re under attack. The Lord has power to meet both your spiritual and practical needs. He cares about everything that concerns you.”
Whether your problem is big or small, the Lord cares about them all. He will even flex His power to resolve your everyday issues. I’ve seen Him work in my own life.
Maybe you’re in a season where the bills are more than you can pay; the disease is something doctors can’t cure; your relationship issues seem irreconcilable; your depression appears to be worsening; your children are going through a rebellious phase; the job opportunities aren’t opening up; the hindrance won’t move out of your way; or you can’t seem to get your vision off the ground.
You serve a God who is more than able. All your problems must bow down at His feet and submit to His will. God, who is strong and mighty, is working for you. He’s favoring you. He knows your needs, and He loves meeting them. He delights in you. It is His good pleasure to bless you and give you victory over the enemy that has come to defeat you.
Don’t fear. Don’t fret. Don’t get frustrated. Know that God is faithful to bring you through the wilderness. He absolutely will make that way for you. He will calm the storm. He will lift you up out of your low place. And He’ll do it all through His all-surpassing power.
To remind you that the omnipotent One is working on your behalf, I’m stirring Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
As you drink down the contents of your cup, remind yourself of who and whose you are. You belong to God, and for Him there is nothing too hard. Cast fear, worry, stress, anxiousness and discouragement aside. Embrace faith and confidence in Him. He won’t let the enemy prevail.
Now let’s pray.
God, there is no one and nothing greater than You, and nothing too hard for You! So I give every issue, worry and concern over to You, and I trust You to work it out. I know You’re able for You are all-powerful, and You promise to take care of me. So I choose to rest in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
