"They cut off his thumbs and big toes." (Judges 1:6)
Throughout Joshua and coming into Judges, we read the accounts of the many wars. Wars which were necessary for eliminating the Promised Land of pagans - who like a cancer would destroy the Israelites from within. As I read today a summary of wars, it again reminds me - we are still fighting for souls. The Scriptures continually point out I too, am a warrior. God has equipped me with all I need to fight in this battle for souls. Being on the side that won, God of All, He is my Daddy and Leader. He provides me with a full armor - His Word - detailing for me all moves needed in the strategy of war. The Holy Spirit within and around me. There is no doubt that I am surrounded by His hedge of protection, the power of His family joining together and fighting as one. I am not alone!
And still with all He has equipped me with - when I sin, I am cutting off my "thumbs and big toes".
A warrior in order to shoot a straight arrow and hit the target, must grasp the string with both his fingers and thumb. They would have trouble balancing and running without his big toes. They would lived the remainder of their life disgraced because they could no longer fight.
Each time I choose to serve "me" over Him, I am hindering myself. A self-destructive cycle. Much like cutting off my nose to spite my face. Something I find myself doing often in the roles of my life.
How thankful I am He completely heals me, sets me straight and we begin again - each of those numerous times. How thankful I am He is bigger than my mess ups. That His grace and mercy have me covered.
One of my greatest fears used to be Judges 2:10 - "Then another generation grew up that didn't know anything of God or the work He had done". There aren't enough words to express how thankful I am all of our family unit knows Him intimately. That they are about being a Light for Him - a Warrior.
But, I see when I look around so many who do not know Him and He is giving me a sense of urgency to be the best possible Warrior for Him.
To take care not to "cut off my thumbs and big toes" so I am not hindered......to not be a disgrace.
The warfare going about isn't about serving "me" - it is all about serving Him.
To be His Warrior for lost souls.
2 comments:
Hi Deby, great post. And a great reminder to us all not to self-destruct but to rely on God's strength. He gives us much grace and mercy, undeserved and unmerited, but oh so greatly needed.
God bless
Tracy
No one else like our ABBA!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Appreciated!!!
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