38 "driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in," Deuteronomy 4:38 ESV
The newly formed nation of Israel, God's chosen people were on the move to the land flowing with milk and honey. A land promised to them by the Almighty God. But, not surprisingly, the established nations were not keen on Jehovah's plan for Israel. The cities of Israel's enemies were fortified. Opposing armies were highly trained and well-equipped. Alliances formed against the Jews. Just looking at the stat sheets, there was not a chance the fledgling nation of Israel could be victorious. Sound familiar?
So often in life
situations seem overwhelming. The stock market wipes out a retirement
fund, cancer cuts short a young life, addictions ruin a family. Life
can be daunting, formidable. We find ourselves ill equipped and unable
to cope, let alone triumph. That is the same situation the Israelites
found during the early days of their new nation.
The size of the problem proves the size of the god. Big problems need a big god. If life only handed us softball problems, then His rescue would appear minimal. We would begin to take credit for ourselves. It is during those times of impossible tasks that God stands tall. When situations threaten to destroy, the Immense God displays His greatness.
Had God only placed weak, tiny nations in the path to the Promised Land, the Hebrews would have become self-sufficient, not God dependent. Soft trials = Sandstone faith. Imposing trials = Granite faith.
Paul tells his readers in 1 Thessalonians, "give thanks in all circumstances." Perhaps you are not to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the death, sickness, or unemployment, but you would do well to thank God for those situations that allow you to grow in your faith. Thank God for the strengthening of your relationship with Him that is brought about by fortified cities and well-equipped enemies.
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