This devotion was used by permission from Dianna Hobbs’ “Your Daily Cup of Inspiration”. For more great encouragement like this, visit her official blog here.

Early last year, do you remember when I told you about the fierce wind storm that ripped through Western New York? We lost power at my house and so did thousands of other residents. The next day, streets were littered with fallen trees and live wires. Some traffic lights stopped working, and some traffic lights were completely blown away.

During my commute into the city the morning after, I arrived at an intersection where the traffic lights had been carried away by the wind, so the city had to use temporary stop signs to control the flow of traffic. As I sat waiting for my turn to go and then continued driving, I thought about the power of the wind. Though invisible, the impact of its force left a trail of visible signs of its strength.

It always fascinates me to encounter those who deny the existence of God because they can’t see Him. Yet, they believe in the wind which they also can’t see. Just like the wind, we can feel and witness the impact of God’s power. When His spirit blows on us and our situation, things change.

In 1 Samuel 5, the power of our invisible and invincible God was evident. This chapter captures a period when Israel was sinning against the Lord. During this time, their enemies, the Philistines, stole the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred symbol of the presence of God. God allowed this to happen because His chosen people were no longer honoring Him. Well, when the Philistines captured the Ark, they took it to a city called Ashdod and placed it in their temple next to a false god, Dagon.

The Philistines believed that Dagon, which was half man, half fish, had the power to grant worshipers fertility and agricultural abundance. But God was about to prove a point: no other power can stand before Him! So, early in the morning when the people of Ashdod got up, they found Dagon on his face in front of the ark of the Lord, proving that even false idols must bow before Him.

The people sat Dagon back up but didn’t quite understand what was happening. The following morning, they found that their idol had fallen again. This time, his head and hands were broken off, and only his body remained. Not only did God destroy the Philistines’ idol, but He also brought devastation on the people of Ashdod and plagued them with rats and tumors. Things got so bad, they got rid of the Ark altogether. They wanted nothing to do with it!

Israel’s foes learned quickly that God, though He did not take on the physical form of their self-created idols, is real. He is greater than any enemy that comes against Him, and His power fights against any enemy that attacks His people.

“God’s power is real. His hand is working. His spirit His moving. And He is using His might and majesty to fight on your behalf and secure your victory.”

— Dianna Hobbs

If you are facing an enemy, a problem, an issue, or a situation that looks too hard, expect our great God to step in and show off His power. Although you don’t see Him, He’s working.

Maybe you have more bills than you can pay. Your income has taken a hit. You’re battling serious illness. Your relationship is on the rocks. Your mental health is deteriorating. Your children are rebelling. One thing after another is going wrong. Your world is crumbling around you. Don’t get frantic or panic; expect God to secure the best outcome and cause things to work for your good.

All your problems must bow down at His feet and submit to His will. Don’t fear. Don’t fret. Don’t get frustrated. Know that God is faithful to bring you through the wilderness, make a way, calm the storm and lift you out of your low place. He’ll do it through His all-surpassing power.

To remind you that you’re not in this thing alone, and God is with you, I’m stirring Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

As you drink down the contents of your cup, remember, though you don’t see Him, God is alive, active and present in your situation. If you continue to trust Him, in time, you will see evidence of His power acting on your behalf, and no enemy that stands against you will prevail.

Now, let’s pray.

God, thank You for reminding me that even though I can’t physically see You, You are ever-present in my circumstances. I have faith in Your power, and I believe that every enemy that rises against me will be condemned, and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Thank You for being my rock, my fortress, and my strong deliverer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.