How can we apply Ehud's courage in our spiritual battles today? Setting the Scene “Follow me,” Ehud ordered, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hands.” (Judges 3:28) Ehud, an unlikely left-handed judge, steps forward when Israel has been oppressed for eighteen years. One decisive, Spirit-empowered act shatters Moab’s grip and sets God’s people free. Core Truths behind Ehud’s Courage • God initiates the deliverance (Judges 3:15)—Ehud simply obeys. • Ehud’s bold declaration in verse 28 rests on the LORD’s prior promise, not personal bravado. • The people respond to faith-filled leadership; courage is contagious. Applying Ehud’s Courage to Our Spiritual Battles 1. Courage Anchored in God’s Word – Stand on clear promises: “Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) – Confess truth out loud as Ehud did: speaking Scripture strengthens resolve (Romans 10:17). 2. Obedience before Outcome – Ehud moved first, then saw victory. Step forward even when results are unseen (Hebrews 11:8). – Small acts (forging a dagger, asking for a private audience) become pivotal when God directs them. 3. Engaging the Real Enemy – Our struggle is “not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Identify spiritual strongholds—habitual sin, fear, unbelief—rather than human opponents. – Pray strategically: target the stronghold, not the person influenced by it. 4. Employing Spiritual Weapons • Belt of truth—counter lies immediately. • Breastplate of righteousness—live clean; sin saps courage. • Shield of faith—extinguish fiery doubts. • Sword of the Spirit—the spoken Word pierces (Ephesians 6:13-17). • Persistent prayer—our “seizing of the fords,” cutting off the enemy’s retreat (Ephesians 6:18). 5. Leading Others into Freedom – Ehud didn’t fight alone; he rallied Israel. Invite accountability partners, prayer groups, family devotions. – Encourage others with testimonies of God’s deliverance (Psalm 66:16). Courage multiplies when shared. 6. Trusting God for Complete Victory – Israel enjoyed eighty years of rest (Judges 3:30). God aims for lasting freedom, not temporary relief. – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) – Refuse partial surrender; press on until bondage is broken. Living the Ehud Pattern Today • Listen—discern God’s nudge to act. • Prepare—equip yourself with Scripture and prayer. • Act—take timely, Spirit-led steps. • Rally—encourage others to stand firm. • Rest—trust God to secure and maintain the victory. As Ehud’s story shows, courage isn’t the absence of fear but the presence of faith that God has already handed the enemy over. Stand up, speak truth, and watch the Lord turn spiritual oppression into lasting peace. |
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