Climb Higher, Find Victory
Judges 4:15-16
The LORD threw Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army into confusion with the sword before Barak. Sisera left his chariot and fled on foot. Barak pursued the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth of the Nations, and the whole army of Sisera fell by the sword; not a single man was left.
God gave Barak the victory, just as He had promised when He instructed Barak to go up Mt. Tabor – the Mountain of Fear. God always has victory waiting for us when we follow His instructions and face our own mountains of fear. There is a reason why Barak had to go up the mountain, and it is the same reason we must climb our own mountains at times. As long as the men of Israel stayed in the valley, they were destined for defeat. The valley was enemy territory, and they ruled it through intimidating iron chariots. There was no hope for escape in the valley. Barak and his men could climb the mountain on foot, but chariots couldn’t perform well on rugged mountain slopes. They were made for the smooth terrain of the valley. If we are to ever gain victory over the enemy in our own lives, we have to leave his territory and go where it is hard for him to follow! As long as we stay on his turf, he has a stronghold over us.
We need to stay away from places where we are tempted. I can promise you that it helps to stay away from the candy isle and the bakery at the grocery store! If you don’t go to those sections, you won’t purchase their goods. If you spend more time in the produce section, you can kick that sweet tooth and become healthier in the process. You have to practice discipline in staying away from the places that tempt you and focusing where you know you should be. That is why it is so important we stay active in church and in fellowship with other strong believers. If the devil can isolate us on his turf, he can gain victory over us in some area. You defeat him by concentrating on your own territory and moving to higher ground!
Know today that God wants you to have victory in your life, but you will find it only if you are willing to abandon those areas where you are tempted to sin and are willing to climb the mountains God has set before you. The higher ground of studying His word and remaining in Christian fellowship can defeat enemy strongholds instantly! Depression, self-pity, hopelessness, and a defeated mentality are all iron chariots that run on smooth ground. If you will only climb that mountain terrain that looks impossible, you will find victory by moving out of enemy territory! Climb your mountain of pain today. Dig deeply into God’s word, and connect with other strong believers. You have an army to defeat, and it can’t function when you climb higher!
Have a blessed day!