And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.” (Joshua 2:24 NKJV)
Are you nodding your head in agreement? Yes, the enemy knows my name quite well. He’s been all over me this week. Throughout Scripture, when the enemy recognizes someone, it’s a good thing.
Our verse today comes from the passage in Joshua chapter two about Rahab the harlot. Rahab is most often remembered for lying to the king’s men. When two Israelite spies entered Jericho, they had been spotted entering the home of Rahab. She lied to her own king’s servants in order to protect God’s men. She risked her life and the lives of her family when she hid the spies, allowing them to descend from a window of her house, located on the city wall.
But Rahab did more than protect God’s chosen people. She gave them confidence when she told them how fainthearted the people of Jericho became at the news of the Israelites. They knew about the miracle of the Red Sea parting for the Hebrews, only to drown the Egyptians. They knew about the victories God had given Israel, and they shuddered to think about them.
When the spies safely returned to Joshua, they knew God had given them the victory because the enemy not only knew about them, but they feared God’s army.
In Judges chapter seven, God told Gideon to go to his enemy’s camp. Gideon and his servant overhear two men in that camp discussing a dream. One man said, “This is …Gideon…Into his hand, God has delivered Midian and the whole camp” Judges 7:14 NKJV). Gideon responded by worshipping the Lord. Now he knew without a doubt That God would give him the victory.
In Acts 19:14-16, ungodly men tried to imitate the miracles of the Apostle Paul. They tried casting demons from a man, but the demonic spirits recognized a counterfeit.
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Acts 19:15 NKJV)
Friend, I grow weary of fighting the enemy just like you, but we should be encouraged that he knows who we are. If he never attacked us, something would be wrong. I want the devil to tremble each morning when I open my eyes, but that means I must be a well-known adversary. I must be a prayer warrior, with the shield of faith in one hand and the sword of the Spirit in the other.
I realize you may tire from the battle, but be encouraged that the enemy knows your name. You are on the front lines of God’s army. Like Joshua and Gideon, we frighten the enemy. Not because of anything we can do, but because of the power of our mighty God. Rest in that power today.
Lord God, You go before us with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. This battle belongs to You, and I trust You for the victory. May all the glory go to Jesus Christ! Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
The three weapons necessary for spiritual warfare include prayer, God’s Word, and faith, which is actually a defensive mechanism. Memorizing God’s promises and verses about spiritual warfare will equip us. What are some ways you can begin to make Scripture memorization part of your daily routine? Try placing verses somewhere you will see them often.
RELATED RESOURCE
Much spiritual warfare exists between our feelings and our faith. Get prepared for battle with Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feeling and Our Faith, as I share from my own life experiences about victorious faith. Learn more here!
Originally posted on July 23, 2020 @ 8:44 pm