When We Will See God's Victory

There is a story that goes back to ancient times about a king who had a boulder placed on a much-travelled roadway. Then he hid out to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the kingdom’s wealthiest merchants and even some of the king’s own attendants came by and simply walked around it. Many could be heard blaming the king for not keeping the roads clear for travel, but none lifted a finger to attempt to remove the stone. Then a poor farmer came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the farmer laid down his burden and tried to move the large stone to the side of the road. After much effort of pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the farmer picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a velvet bag with a drawstring lying on the road where the boulder had been. The velvet bag contained many gold coins and a note from the king saying that the gold was intended for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The farmer learned what many others never seem to understand: Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one’s situation.

When Gideon, a simple farmer, faced head-on the enemy of the Israelites, it became an opportunity to bring victory to God’s people over the violent Midianites. This great obstacle gave God’s people an opportunity to improve their situation. In addition, everyone’s perception of Gideon changed from that of a lowly farmer to a great warrior. The people saw Gideon as the one to whom the angel of the Lord had said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). It changed everyone’s view of Gideon, and it bought forty years of peace and prosperity to the land.

We all travel the roadway of life, facing challenges along the way and obstacles that stand in our way. These perceived obstacles provide golden opportunities for success on life’s journey. We must learn to face our adversity with faith-infused certainty. Only then will we see God’s victory!

I have a word for you, only because it is true. You Can Do This! Here’s why—“The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron