A Defeated Enemy

As we study God's Word, we should be reminded of how fortunate we are
to have so many stories and testimonies upon which to build our
faith. This is particularly true of the multitude of Old Testament
stories; "For everything that was written in the past was written to
teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4). One of the great
encouragements is shared through a prostitute named Rahab.

As Joshua led the Israelites out of the desert and into the promised
land of Canaan, the first enemy they faced lived in the mighty walled
city of Jericho. When spies were sent to Jericho to determine the
enemy's strength, Rahab told the spies, "all who live in this country
are melting in fear because of you" (Joshua 2:9). Rahab said the
people of Jericho had heard how God parted the Red Sea and how He had
been with the Israelites in previous battles.

Joshua 2:11
"When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed
because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on
the earth below."

God caused the walls of Jericho to collapse and allowed the
Israelites to take the city, but the first enemy in the promised land
was conquered long before the Israelite army arrived. The people of
Jericho knew of God's miraculous power and were already
defeated. The only thing necessary for victory was for the
Israelites to show they were willing to walk in the strength God provided.

God does not desire for us to remain in the desert. He has "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
(Jeremiah 29:11). But in order to enter the promised land, we must
be prepared to face our enemies and trust in the strength of our
Heavenly Father.

The enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy is very real and ready to attack
our areas of weakness. But the enemy is also well aware of God's
power and will turn away any time we make a stand; "Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The enemy's fate has been
sealed - his end has already been determined - but we must daily
resist by getting dressed for battle and then trusting in the power
of God for our strength.

Let's submit our lives into the loving hands our Heavenly Father and
boldly enter the peace-filled land He has promised. The lion will
continue to roar and try to bite, but we must never forget that Jesus
has already assured complete victory. When we trust Him with all our
heart and daily walk in His strength, we truly face a defeated enemy.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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Lorena, TX 76655
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