Devotion: Don't run away
Written By Dianna Hobbs // Devotions
I was sharing on my podcast this morning that I ate something last night that triggered my allergies. I was absolutely miserable and woke up this morning with a swollen face, eyes, nose, and throat. I look like I have been on the receiving end of a brutal beating. Though I don’t look very good, I feel fine.
What I ingest and digest, especially as an allergy sufferer, matters. As you might imagine, I vowed never to eat what I ate last night again. If I can avoid it, I certainly don’t want to experience another attack like this.
When it comes to my allergies, avoidance of foods that cause pain and suffering is wise. But when it comes to divine destiny, we don’t get to avoid and run away from hardship and trouble, or even loss and turmoil. Sometimes, God will allow us to fight some devastatingly difficult battles.
Consider the battle of Gibeah where the Israelites fought against the Benjamites in Judges 20. The Benjamites killed 22,000 Israelite soldiers. The second day, there were 18,000 more casualties. It didn’t look good for God's chosen ones. They cried out to the Lord and inquired about whether they should continue on. And you know what God told them to do?
Go back.
Despite having already lost 40,000 men, they had to reenter the frenzied fight. I’m sure everyone wasn’t enthusiastic about that. After seeing thousands sprawled out on the ground dead, even the strongest soldier would be, at the very least, a little intimidated.
“God is saying, don’t be afraid to try again. Your breakthrough is on the other side of your willingness to stare failure in the face and say, ‘I still believe God!”
Still, they obeyed God and went back to war.
And after about 30 of their fighters were killed, it seemed like the worst was recurring. Some of us would have abandoned the battle at that point. But God wasn’t finished. The Lord gave them victory over the Benjamites.
And He was only able to do that because they didn’t run away from the fight.
Don’t you run away either.
Don’t run away from your divinely-inspired dreams, goals, hopes, and aspirations. I know you may not see, know, or understand what God is doing. But if you’re willing to stick and stay, you will get the best God has to offer you. Stay on the path of faith. He has a victory with your name on it already prepared. This battle is won despite the way it appears at this moment.
Don't let the losses you’ve sustained, the pain you’ve gone through, and the setbacks you’ve endured, deter you. God is taking you to the next level if you remain faithful. As Hebrews 10:35 NIV says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
If you run away now, you’ll forfeit those rich rewards. If you give up now, you’ll miss out on that due-season-harvest of blessings. If you throw in the towel now, you’ll pass up on the outpouring of favor headed your way.
I know life may have kicked you, but don’t stay down. Dust yourself off. Be confident in the Lord your God, and know, without a doubt, His remarkable plan will unfold in due time.
To help you remain steadfast, I’m stirring Ephesians 6:13 NLT into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, keep standing firm. How do you do that? By keeping your feet firmly planted on the word of God; keeping your spiritual armor on; and fighting the good fight of faith.
The fight is rigged. It’s fixed in your favor. You have already won the victory!
Now let’s pray.
God, I have been feeling weary and worn out from the intense battle. Help me not to run away in discouragement, but to hold fast to my faith, knowing that You will bring me out victoriously. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
