Joshua 10:5
Then the five kings of the Amorites - the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon - joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
Paul said in Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against ... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Every Joshua's battle symbolizes the principle of spiritual battles. When the five kings united in attacking Gibeon, they had a strategy. They intended to sack Gibeon when Israelites were still in Gilgal, unable to provide reinforcement. They never anticipated that Israelites acted faster than they thought. 10:9 says, "After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise." I like the words "by surprise", completely unanticipated. The work of God will always exceed enemies' ploys. On the other hand, we have to understand that when enemies attack us, they come with a plan: to build a stronghold in our lives that belongs to them.
First, it's the stronghold of mind. Enemies often deceive our mind. When God told Adam that the fruits of tree of good and evil are forbidden fruits, devil came to deceive Eve, such that she went on to disobey God. Similarly, devil often obstruct us from getting close to God in our minds: When we pray, we believed that whatever we ask God will not give, whatever God gives we will not like, such that we are afraid of submitting ourselves to God. Second, it's the obstruction of feelings. Past wounds and pride in our hearts make us misunderstood God's love, believing that He will not accept us. In fact, God has opened His arms to embrace us. However, we often refuse God.
Third, it's the obstruction of the will. People often are accustomed to traditions or way of doing things, and are resistant towards change. It's not that we are unaware of the goodness of God, the preciousness of the Lord; however, deep down inside of our hearts, we are unwilling to return to God. When we come to God, realize this is a spiritual battle, understand the strategy of our enemies, and are willing to lean on God to deal with all these, it will be as told by 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Do you have devil Satan's stronghold in your life? May God help you destroy it now!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, may you bring every brother and sister to you. In your name I rebuke all the work of our enemies. May your spirit do the work of tearing down and rebuilding in their lives, so that the joy of The Lord will fill their hearts. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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