Exodus 14:14 ‘The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.’
DAILY READING – Luke 19:1-27; Genesis 32-33; Psalm 25
Recently this year, an exhibition fight, was scheduled between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson. An exhibition fight is not a serious fight, but usually a brief boxing match between famous boxers for charity purposes or for public entertainment.
Today, in a fight with Tyson, many people will expect Evander to win because of his previous victory in their two boxing matches.
However, 25 years ago, in 1996, when Evander first faced Tyson in a historical fight, it was a totally different story.
Many people didn’t think Evander would even survive in the ring because of Tyson’s frightening reputation as the ‘baddest’ boxer in the world.
When a poll was taken of 50 boxing writers on who would win, 49 voted for Tyson, only one person voted for Holyfield. Yet despite the great odds against him, Holyfield who is a devoted Christian, maintained unshakable faith in God. He told the media and everyone that his God would give him the victory.
Evander was so sure because he had seen God do amazing miracles in his boxing career.
Evander knew that the same God would also give him the victory in the fight with Tyson..
And so while he had trained physically, Evander had also prepared spiritually through prayers. He later told the media
‘i prayed during training. I prayed when I got in the ring with Mike, and I still prayed when I was fighting.’
The result of this much prayer was that when they finally entered the ring, Evander Holyfield shockingly knocked out Tyson in the 11th round.
This victory which took place in Las Vegas, made many believers out of the famously hedonistic city.
This fight was later called the greatest boxing upset in history, yet it was a battle where God showed up and showed Himself faithful, because one man trusted in Him.
When we understand that all power belongs to God and all victories come from Him, then we will not fret or cry over any challenge.
Rather our focus will be on how to engage God to fight for us.
Many of the challenges we face on earth may appear natural but in reality their roots are spiritual. And to win in such life’s battles, we need a spiritual approach.
We need to commit every situation to God through fervent prayers.
No matter how insurmountable the obstacle,, we must always remember that we serve the God who is the mighty Man in battle. He is El Shaddai, which means Almighty God who destroys over powers.
He is Yahweh-Sabaoth, the LORD of Hosts, who has military prowess and is the Mighty Warrior. And He is Yahweh-Nissi, the LORD our Banner.
Indeed when God arises to fight for you, every enemy must be scattered. This is why we should always ensure God is on our side by remaining spiritually fervent when faced with trials and oppositions.
Indeed God’s desire for us is to be stable, consistent and not moved by circumstances. His will is that we trust in Him and be at rest no matter what happens.
Exodus 14:13 says ‘Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today:’
Certainly, today, as we remain steadfast in study of the Word, prayers and praise, the Lord will fight our battles and we will hold our peace.
PRAYER:
Father, I know that You are indeed able to give me the victory in every battle. Thank You Lord for the grace to build up my faith through diligent study of Your Word, prayers and praise in Jesus Name.
QUOTES;
Trials, oppositions, resistances are oftentimes only an indication that your promotion is around the corner. WORDBITE 222