The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

Judges 6:16

For meditation

Sometimes, we feel so weak that we can’t believe any assurances from God’s word. In our hearts, we know that He is faithful to His promises, but our circumstances convince us otherwise. Our problems are too many and insurmountable. Reality has set in; for God did not show up on time.

But, wait! The clock says three minutes of injury time.

Remember Manchester United in that two quick goals in the three-minute injury time that gave them victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Championships in Barcelona? What gave them that confidence that stunned the entire world?

The jury is still out on that point, but we Christians can boldly declare that our confidence is in the Lord, our God. He decides the end of everything. Until He pulls the curtain over any situation, it is never over for us.

The game was over for Sarah and Abraham at ages eighty-nine and a ninety-nine; or so they thought. But, praise God His word never fails. The two became parents to Isaac a year later (Gen. 21:2). Old age could not restrain God from blessing the couple with a child.

Israel is trapped at the Red Sea. Two mountain ranges flank them on both sides, and a wounded Pharaoh with his best chariots are on hot pursuit from behind – it is over for Israel. But, God! Moses stretches out his hand over the sea and it opens to stand like brick walls on both sides. Israel walks through to safety, but Pharaoh and his elite forces drown (Ex. 14:10-31). Nothing is impossible to the Lord.

Israel is intimidated by a giant from Philistine. King Saul and his army shudder in fear. A young boy steps up to the plate with his shepherd staff, a sling, and five smooth pebbles as his weaponry. He moves in the name of “the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45).  One sling shot, and the Holy Spirit directs the pebble to the forehead of Goliath. He falls face down on the ground – dead! No giant can stand against you with the Lord Almighty on your side.

So, tell me. Why are you terrified today? What has overwhelmed you? What is intimidating you?

One thing I know and live by is the truth that God is never late. It may seem late for me, but my thousand years are like a day to Him (2 Pt. 3:8). When He shows up, He does it in style.

So, do not fret, my friend. Only trust the Lord and may His peace rest on you.