How can facing "nations greater and stronger" strengthen your faith and reliance on God? Facing Nations Greater and Stronger “Hear, O Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan, to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.” (Deuteronomy 9:1) The Reality Israel Saw • Towering city walls, veteran armies, iron chariots • No natural way to prevail—every calculation said, “Impossible” • A crossroads: lean on human strength or trust God’s sure promise Why God Leads Us Into the Impossible • To expose self-reliance and cultivate God-reliance (2 Corinthians 1:9) • To magnify His glory when victory comes (Exodus 14:4) • To teach that obedience, not odds, secures the outcome (Deuteronomy 7:17-19) • To deepen experiential knowledge of His character—faith grows by use (James 1:2-4) How Facing Overwhelming Opposition Fuels Faith • It pushes prayer from routine to urgent: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). • It converts doctrine into lived conviction—He becomes “my” refuge, not just “a” refuge (Psalm 18:2). • It chisels spiritual muscle memory; yesterday’s rescue breeds confidence for today’s battle (1 Samuel 17:37). • It clarifies allegiance—fear of giants or fear of God (Deuteronomy 10:20). • It showcases that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Deuteronomy 4:38; 11:23—same promise repeated for emphasis • Joshua 3:13-17—Jordan River parts only after priests step in • Judges 7:2—Gideon’s army reduced so Israel cannot boast • 2 Kings 6:16—“Those with us are more than those with them.” • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Practical Ways to Lean on God When the Odds Are Against You 1. Recall past deliverances—keep a written record like Israel’s memorial stones (Joshua 4:7). 2. Anchor daily in Scripture—truth drives out the giants’ taunts (Psalm 119:92). 3. Obey the next clear step—faith grows by walking, not waiting for perfect conditions (Hebrews 11:29). 4. Surround yourself with faith-filled voices—Calebs, not the ten fearful spies (Numbers 14:6-9). 5. Speak God’s promises aloud—faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). 6. Expect God to act—watch for His hand, then give Him the credit (Psalm 115:1). Living the Lesson Today Every modern “nation greater and stronger” (overwhelming bills, cultural hostility, lingering illness) is an invitation to prove that God still parts rivers, fells giants, and topples walls. Walk forward, eyes fixed on Him, and discover afresh that “the LORD your God is the One who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). |
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