How can we trust God to "cut off" obstacles in our lives today? Facing Overwhelming Obstacles: Psalm 118:10-12 “All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.” Why This Verse Matters Today • Literal history: an Israelite king under siege experienced God’s tangible rescue. • Timeless principle: God still acts with the same power and covenant faithfulness (Hebrews 13:8). • Personal takeaway: the phrase “in the name of the LORD” anchors victory in God’s authority, not human strength. God’s Track Record of Cutting Off Barriers • Red Sea – waters “split apart” so Israel walked through (Exodus 14:21-22). • Jordan River – flow “was cut off” for the ark to pass (Joshua 3:16; 4:7). • Jericho – walls fell flat when Israel shouted in faith (Joshua 6:20). • Goliath – the giant fell because David came “in the name of the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:45-50). Reasons We Can Trust Him Now 1. His unchanging character – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) 2. His covenant promises – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) 3. His proven faithfulness – “Remember the former things … My purpose will stand.” (Isaiah 46:9-10) 4. His ultimate victory in Christ – “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Practical Ways to Lean on His Deliverance • Stand on Scripture daily – Memorize Psalm 118:10-12; speak it aloud when opposition rises. • Pray in His name – Align requests with His will and authority (John 14:13-14). • Walk in obedience – Obstacles often yield when steps of faith replace hesitation (Joshua 3:13-17). • Recall past victories – Keep a written record of answered prayers to fuel present trust (Psalm 77:11-12). • Stay in community – Share testimonies; encourage one another to persevere (Hebrews 10:24-25). What “Cut Off” Can Look Like Today • A closed door giving way to a better opportunity (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Addictions broken as the Spirit empowers new desires (Galatians 5:16-17). • Hostility at work defused through Christ-like responses (Romans 12:17-21). • Spiritual strongholds demolished by truth and repentance (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Living This Truth God’s Word assures that obstacles—however intimidating—cannot outmatch His authority. Trust grows as we remember His past interventions, cling to His present promises, and step forward in obedient faith. The same Lord who enabled the psalmist to “cut them off” stands ready to clear the path for every believer who calls on His name today. |
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