The war is raging. Are you not seeing it? It is expanding. It is escalating. This is the way this enemy moves – subtly, gradually but steadily. He knows what he’s targeting. The serpent is the most subtle of all. Yes, he is! He comes through the back door, deceitfully, disguised but determined to achieve his devious aims. That is why you must deal with him very very decisively. There are different categories of enemies. The one you are currently fighting against is on the level of Pharaoh, Herod, Jezebel, Assyrian and Philistine kings. They will remain permanent enemies. They will fight, go, and come back to fight again. They have vowed not to allow Israel have peace. And we have said it before that they will use everything possible; even if it means to import it. The real target is not what we are seeing and hearing. The battle is still coming to your throne.
Why are you acting so slowly? Don’t be afraid. Move! Be firm! God is with you. Why are their big men not definite in condemning their actions? Why are they saying that you cannot fight these enemies? You are warned AGAIN that you must be decisive in dealing with them. You can go back and read all our numerous warnings and messages since November last year. Did I say anything? Is this message for somebody?? Let him that has ears hear. Let me leave you with what Mordecai told Esther, “… who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?”
Now, when you take the threat by the enemy to God in prayer, He directs you on the way to victory. He tells you what to do, where to go, what to put in place. He can even lead you on the alliances to make. Yes, you may need to go into alliances now. God does not work only in a way. He decides what and how He wants it to go, and then He communicates and expects us to obediently follow Him into victory. This is also why we must always position ourselves to hear from Him. You need divine direction to totally win the war against the enemy. God knows what you don’t know. He sees what you don’t see. Therefore, you must as a matter of necessity seek His definite direction in dealing with the enemy and challenges of life, if you actually want to be a victor. David was a successful warrior and this was part of his secret. He never moved out without consulting God.
Look at his battles with the Philistines. When the Philistines heard that David had been made the king of Israel, they immediately mobilized their forces to attack and capture him. They came and took position at the valley of Rephaim. King David on getting this intelligence report went into his stronghold and there he enquired of God on what to do. David! He ran to his stronghold and prayed to God. King David is sure an interesting character to study if your aim is to have a good relationship with God, and also do maximum exploits for Him. He is also a good study for the military strategists. He had God, fortresses, well-trained soldiers, captains, bodyguards, special troops and fiercely powerful and loyal commanders. These are very very necessary. But most importantly, he knew where his ultimate strength and success come from – the God of Israel! He never joked with this. He often calls Him; my stronghold and fortress, my redeemer, my victor, my warrior, my strong tower, my conqueror, my king, my deliverer, my rock, etc. So, he had God as his ‘backbone’ in all he did, especially in the battles he fought. No wonder, he was exceptionally victorious and successful. The bible said that David became more and more powerful, because the Almighty God was with him.
David’s confidence in God was built on his experience and testimonies of God’s consistency in delivering him from his enemy, right from a very tender age. When he was still a shepherd boy, this same God help him to kill the bears, lions and other wild beasts that came to devour his father’s sheep. Severally, he ran after those lions and bears, snatched their prey from their mouths and slew them. He killed Goliath the giant, plundered and chased away the entire Philistine army. He killed ten of thousands of Israel’s enemies. All these by the help of the God of Israel. So, it is customary for him to go to the same God when the Philistines threatened this time. Then on the Philistines, they are not just any enemy. No! They have been Israel’s enemy for a very long time. Remember, they were the people that stopped Abraham’s well after his death. They also fought against Isaac and took some of his wells. They seduced, captured and plucked out Samson’s eyes. They once defeated Israel, cut off King Saul’s head and placed his armor in their heathen shrine. They also took the Ark of God into custody. They were permanent, determined, powerful, constant and traditional enemies of Israel. Are you currently facing enemies like the Philistines?
David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?’ The LORD replied, ‘Yes, go ahead. I will certainly give you victory.” 2 Samuel 5:19. David left immediately with this divine assurance and defeated the enemies. But the matter didn’t end there. After a while, they came again to attack Israel. And David returned again to his Rock and Defence – God. This time the divine strategy changed. God told him not to attack them straight on. But, “Instead, circle around behind them and attack them near the balsam trees. When you hear the sound like marching feet in the tops of the balsam, attack! That will be the signal that the LORD is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistines.” Powerful! Divine war strategy! Can you beat that? God is a master strategist. David did exactly as he was directed and the Philistines were roundly defeated again.
I see you defeating and plundering those ‘Philistines’ fighting against you today in the mighty name of Jesus! What battle are you going through now? You just need to initiate a relationship with God and also give Him the first place in the battle plan. Go to Him and ask like David, “What do I do LORD” Follow His leading and you will sure come out victorious. Don’t be afraid! It is now His own battle. If He did not fail Solomon, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat and David, He also will not fail you. God bless you! Let those testimonies keep coming. Till next week.
Pastor Agbo is of the Assemblies of God Nigeria.