What can we learn about God's power from "we turned and went up"? The Moment in Focus “Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan with his whole army marched out against us to do battle at Edrei.” (Deuteronomy 3:1) Seeing God’s Power in the Simple Turn • That small phrase “we turned and went up” signals a decisive shift from forty years of wilderness wandering to forward motion under God’s command. • Behind the turning and the going is the unmistakable energy of the Lord who had just said, “Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley” (Deuteronomy 2:24). • Israel’s march isn’t powered by self-confidence; it is propelled by divine authority. Every footstep echoes the promise: “I have begun to deliver Og… into your hands” (Deuteronomy 3:2). Layers of God’s Power Unfolding 1. Directional Power – God doesn’t merely point out the path; He creates it. When He says “turn,” the way becomes open. – Compare Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” 2. Conquering Power – Og ruled over sixty fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4–5). Humanly speaking, Israel faced an undefeatable foe. Yet “the LORD our God also gave Og king of Bashan and all his people into our hands” (v. 3). 3. Sustaining Power – Forty years in the desert had not diminished the nation; God’s provision kept them battle-ready (Deuteronomy 8:4). 4. Covenant-Keeping Power – The promise to Abraham of possessing the land (Genesis 15:18–21) moves toward fulfillment with every northward step. 5. Testifying Power – Future generations would rehearse this victory as proof that “no one can stand against you” when God leads (Joshua 2:9–11). Personal Takeaways for Today • When God redirects, His power accompanies His instruction—fear becomes unnecessary (Isaiah 41:10). • Obstacles that loom as “giants” crumble before the One who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). • Obedience is the doorway through which we experience the might of God; the Israelites did not see victory until they “turned and went up.” • God’s past acts of power are meant to fuel present faith; remembering Bashan strengthens us for current battles (Psalm 77:11). Walking It Out • Listen for God’s clear leading; when He says “turn,” respond promptly. • Face challenges confident that the same God who toppled Og still reigns (Hebrews 13:8). • Keep recounting His victories—personal and biblical—to anchor hope in His unchanging power. |
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