Jim Gallagher

Deuteronomy 3:2
“And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand; you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon.’”

Moses and the congregation of Israel faced many obstacles as they made their way toward the Promised Land. In this case they would be withstood by the king of Bashan and his forces. The armies of Bashan had successfully defeated all who came against them and had established a formidable empire consisting of sixty well fortified cities. The army was led by a king named Og who was a giant of a man. (He was so large that after his death his furniture was preserved in an ancient museum in the city of Rabbah). From a natural standpoint it would seem that Israel had no hope of victory against such a mighty force. However their strength was not to be found in themselves but in the power of the God whom they served. As the pages turn we learn that Og and his forces were defeated and Israel enjoyed the spoils of victory.

It is not uncommon for believers today to face obstacles greater than ourselves. We, like Israel are given great and precious promises designed to guide, comfort and bless our walk with God. These promises are often met head on by the difficulties of life and these difficulties stir in us a vast array of emotions. It does not take long before our circumstances cause us to question whether or not the promises of God will ever truly come to pass. It is in times like this where we need to look past the fortified city walls and the giant enemy forces and stand firm on God’s unbreakable promises. Circumstances change, emotions vary but the Word of God will never fail. If you are facing a particularly trying time take whatever time necessary to locate a promise from God that directly addresses your situation and stand firm on that promise.

A few years ago while I was in Israel a war broke out. The nation was undergoing a massive barrage of rocket fire. Because of their advanced defense system they were able to monitor every rocket and determine its trajectory. If one of these airborne explosives was heading toward a populated area an air raid siren would sound and people would hurry into a bunker. These bunkers are well fortified and are stocked with the necessary food and water to withstand an attack lasting several weeks. We need to see the promises of God like a bunker that we run into when the difficulties of life mount an attack. No force of hell or earth is strong enough to break through walls of scripture. Jesus himself declared that heaven and earth will pass away but not the smallest part of the promises of God will ever fail.

When Og and his forces mount an attack, hide under the promises of God.

Jim