Sadly, power in our world is often tainted with corruption and abuse. Often we see power used unfairly to win for personal gain or to control the freedom of others.
God’s power, however, is perfect and just says Job 37:23.
The Bible tells us, that God’s power and strength is unlimited. It cannot be defeated.
Victory belongs to God, but so does the battle and the fight.
King David was a military leader who fought and won many battles. He also trusted God. In front of all the officers and commanders of Israel—men who were powerful (1 Chronicles 28:1), David prayed these words:
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours … you rule over all. In your hand are power and might.”
1 Chronicles 29:11-12 ESV, emphasis mine.
Time after time in the Old Testament, the people are told “the battle is not yours, it is God’s,” “God will fight for you,” and “God goes into the battle with you.”
Yet, God’s victory did not always come as quickly or when they hoped.
“You walked off and left us, and never looked back,” prayed the writer of Psalm 74. “How long, God, will barbarians blaspheme, enemies curse and get by with it? Why don’t you do something? How long are you going to sit there with your hands folded in your lap? God, how could you do that?” He continued.
When we turn to God for help, it can be hard to understand why God is not using his power right now to overcome our personal struggles or win victories over wars, corruption, and abuse in our world.
Yet, through Jesus, God is always working towards the ultimate victory over everything that is evil: “Then comes the end,” says 1 Corinthians 15:24 “when he [Jesus] delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.”
Like the writer of Psalm 74 who questioned why God wasn’t using his power to make things right, but who also stated his trust in God, we want to be able to say:
“God is my King, he does saving works upon the earth”
Psalm 74:12
Or like King Jehoshaphat, who also faced a huge battle with numerous enemies, declared:
“O God … You hold all power and might in your fist—no one stands a chance against you!”
2 Chronicles 20:6 MSG
Use the prayer below to state your trust in God’s unlimited power and might.
PRAY
Almighty God, If I’m honest, sometimes I don’t understand why you’re not using your power to bring justice, to fight evil in the world, and help me win battles in my life. Like the Psalmist, I want to ask “why don’t you do something?”
But, as I cry to you for help, I will put my trust in your power to bring victory at the right and perfect time. Amen
(Next week: 3 ways to stay strong and trust God in the battle.)
‘For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’
Deuteronomy 20:4 NLT