Only God Can Lead Us To Victory
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Saw Seang Mei, SGM Zone Leader)
READ:
Judges 11:1-40 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Jephthah was a mighty warrior even though his mother was a prostitute. Jephthah’s heritage and past did not prevent him from doing great and mighty things for God. Although the Ammonites were a formidable enemy, Jephthah struck them down as the “Spirit of the Lord” was upon him (v29). How mighty and powerful is the Spirit of the Lord! “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33: 8-9) Judges 11 illustrates that our circumstances do not limit our life’s mission for the Lord, because we can depend on the Holy Spirit to empower and make the way for us. Jephthah could not rely on his own negotiation skills to stop the King of the Ammonites, and finally had to depend on God totally to win this battle. However, Jephthah made an impulsive vow and any vow to the Lord should be considered carefully as this is a serious matter.
APPLY:
I am encouraged to depend on the Holy Spirit to guide my path in life. God will make a way when I obey Him despite my past, family background, environment or situations. “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” (Psalm 33: 20-22, ESV) I want to surrender to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to fill my heart daily as the Holy Spirit transforms me from inside out. There is no fear and only victory in the Lords’ name. At the same time, I have to navigate life wisely and not make any careless decision without seeking the Lord in constant prayer. I may not succeed with my own plans or negotiation skills, but I will rely on His mighty name to lead a victorious life.
DO:
This passage reminds me of the victories and might of the Great I Am. I would like to rest in Him and allow the Holy Spirit to fill me freely. I endeavor to spend more time daily meditating on God’s Word to hear His message for me, to pray and align myself closer with the Lord. May He guide me closely at the workplace and as I serve in church and other ministries. I endeavor to seek the Lord’s counsel in many areas of my life by spending time with Him personally or at church retreats. May the Lord use me mightily and pour His Spirit upon me for His Kingdom.
PRAY:
Dear Lord,
You have spoken through Your Word clearly to me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, and strength and the desire to obey You. Please touch me and direct me to walk only in Your ways and to refrain from making foolish decisions. Every step forward in Your Name Lord signifies victory. I ask for discipline to read Your Word every day and to pray in all circumstances. I just want to grow closer to You Lord, my help and shield.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
