Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 7.12-16 and John 1.35-42
You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?” But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. Moreover, the Lord your God will send the hornet among them until even the survivors who hide from you have perished. Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed. He will give their kings into your hand, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand up against you; you will destroy them. The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the Lord your God. Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction. (Deuteronomy 7:17-26)
God will deliver you from your oppressors if you have faith in him. While it may not happen overnight, God will help those who stay faithful to him. This passage uses the Israelites as an example. They were enslaved by the Egyptians for a few hundred years before God finally saved them. So even when it feels as if you are alone and the odds are against you, God will always be there to help you through your problems in the end because nothing is impossible with God on your side. All he wants in return is for you to not want what is detestable to Him because doing so will make you grow further from Him.
Mark Burton, Higher Ground member
