GOD UNDERSTANDS. DOES HE? ~ Precious Victor Akah
Have you ever read or heard the story of how the Israelites defeated the Amalekites in the book of Exodus 17:8-16? I've got something phenomenal to share with you from this story. So let's dig in.
Verse 8-13 reads: "Then Amalek [and his people] came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek [and his people]. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop.
Now when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he lowered his hand [due to fatigue], Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy and he grew tired. So they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so it was that his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed and defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."
This is what I have realized: GOD UNDERSTANDS HIS PRINCIPLES, not human explanations or excuses. Did you notice that the victory of the Israelites over the Amalekites wasn't really dependent on God or on Joshua, but mostly on Moses? Because God had already given them victory spiritually, but this victory would only manifest physically as long as Moses (their spiritual leader) played his part by holding up the staff of God in his hands, which he did and victory was won.
Now, this is what the Holy Spirit expounded to me while reading this story about God's principles (stipulated rule/established way of doing things). Did you realize that according to the story that Moses became tired at some point (obviously it was a long battle, and as expected, he would get tired holding up the staff of God in His hands), when he got tired, wisdom spoke to them to have Moses sit down and have Aaron and Hur hold up his two hands with the staff. This they did and got total victory.
You know, we would have thought that God would understand that he is now tired and just let them have the victory without Moses continuing to hold up the staff in his hands. But guess what? God didn't understand that. He understood only His laid down principle. The principle must be followed however you want to do it: Moses hands must remain up with the staff in his hand for the Israelites to totally defeat the Amalekites in this war. Moses weeping and crying to God for mercy when he got tired, and Hur and Aaron going on their knees praying fervently wouldn't have given them victory. Only following the principle did.
So when we choose to ignore or refuse to follow God's principles and decide to do things our way, hoping to use crying or begging for instance, to get from God what He has already established would be gotten by hard work, honesty, integrity, creativity, humility, prayer, fasting, praise, giving, holiness, fear of God, honoring your parents, eating healthy, dressing decently, possessing a godly character...we would end up totally disappointed.
Don't give or accept bribe in your workplace, or agree to defraud your company by financial statement/data manipulation because everyone else has secretly given their consent, and you say God understands that you don't have a choice; He doesn't understand .You have a choice to say NO!.
Don't cheat because it is common to cheat in your profession. Don't lie because it is what most people do in your line of business. God doesn't understand that. He understands the principle of truthfulness, honesty, and integrity.
Don't engage in prostitution or adultery because of greed, love for materialism and money because that is what many ladies in your city or around you do to live luxurious and comfortable life. You have a choice to work hard and do legit business. God understands the principle of hard work, honest dealings and diligence in what you do.
Don't involve in examination malpractice because all the students are doing that to get good grades or entrance into a prestigious university. God doesn't understand the need to cheat or have someone else write your exams for you. He expects you to study and ask Him for an intelligent and excellent spirit. He expects you to ask Him for understanding (to understand what you're being taught, understand what you're reading, and understand the exam questions) and wisdom (to answer the questions correctly).
Sex before marriage and outside marriage may look like the norm in our present world, but it's still abnormal and remains unacceptable in the Kingdom of God where you're a citizen of. So remember this and flee from all forms of sexual immorality, because God does not understand. He only understands purity and holiness.
Don't engage in internet fraud/scam people to get rich. Don't get involved in witchcraft or demonic practices because you need one "blessing" or the other. Don't kill to become rich and famous. These things may be rampant in the world and a lot of people around you may be doing it, but as a child of God, you cannot get involved, because God does not understand. He already blessed you with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14) and gave you the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Finally, although Joshua had physical strength and stamina, and possessed great fighting skills, he could not have won the battle with all these if Moses had not taken care of the spiritual part. This shows us that, though it is good to have all the physical qualities needed to achieve something, you must also ensure that the spiritual part is taken care of. Because as seen from the story we read, the spiritual part plays a larger role and should never be neglected.
Therefore, don't joke with spiritual tools and activities like prayer, fasting, giving, praising, holy living, godly character, obedience to God, sexual purity, etc., when God gives you an instruction.
The widow of Zarephath would have died of hunger with her son if she hadn't obeyed the principle of giving (1 Kings 17:10-15).
Have this always in your heart: GOD UNDERSTANDS HIS PRINCIPLES, not human explanations or excuses.
Shalom.
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