One of the most destructive mistakes in war is the failure to identify the enemy. Our enemies are not flesh and blood. Our spouse is not the enemy. Neither is our employer, nor the government. Our enemies are the wicked spirits who have set themselves against God’s kingdom.
Do you remember when Moses and Israel stood at the edge of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army approaching from behind? Moses had led the Hebrews to a place where there was no escape, yet notice the confidence in what he said: “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm'” (Exodus 14:13-14).
Moses understood that he was not alone and at the mercy of his enemy. He relied upon his Covenant with Almighty God. God would surely deliver them even though their situation appeared hopeless. Moses cried to God and the Lord answered him, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground” (vv. 15-16).
As soon as Moses was obedient, this little nation of vagabonds escaped the Egyptian army by the mighty hand of God. When they arrived on the other side of the sea, they looked back to see their enemies pursuing them through the same path that God had provided for them through the Red Sea. God’s creative power had blazed the trail through the Red Sea, now His destructive force had to be put into operation.
Moses once again lifted his rod toward the sea, but this time God’s power closed the sea, engulfing Pharaoh’s army. The same power that created deliverance for Israel brought destruction for Egypt’s army, yet it was not automatic. God’s power can be as destructive of evil as it is creative of good. But in all this victory, Moses had a part to play in receiving victory over his enemies.
The power of God is available to each of us to bring victory over every attack that comes against us. But as long as we are content to merely push the enemy back until the pressure is relieved, he will return to attack us again. If we make peace with our enemies we will never defeat them. If Israel did not totally destroy their enemies eventually they came under attack again. The Lord has equipped us to stop Satan in his tracks, but we must do our part just like Moses did.
Isaiah 55:10-11 clearly reveals that God’s Word is self-fulfilling:
“As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my Word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to, and prosper everywhere I send it” (TLB).
The supernatural energy of God’s Word focused in our direction will bring down the mountains in our lives. It will cause the valleys to rise, straighten crooked places, and make rough spots smooth.
