Perhaps you will think to yourselves, ‘How can we ever conquer these nations that are so much more powerful than we are?’ ~ Deuteronomy 7:17 NLT
As Deuteronomy 7 opens, God tells His people what must happen when He brings them into the promised land. “When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are about to enter and occupy, he will clear away many nations ahead of you…you must completely destroy them,” (vv. 1-2). It was important that they follow His warning completely. If they did not, they would suffer the consequences: “they will lead your children away from me to worship other gods,” (v.4).
God didn’t bring His people into the promised land for their benefit or their purposes. He did it for His purpose, which He would fulfill through them and their descendants. And that’s why it was a big deal that they follow through on His command. Because God knew His created, chosen people, He said:
Perhaps you will doubt your ability to do the things which I have commanded you. Maybe it looks too daunting, too hard, and requires much more power, strength, and endurance than you possess. But do not be afraid! Just remember My faithfulness. Remember the strong hand and powerful arm of the Lord. The Lord your God will use that same power against everything you fear.
When God brings us into a season or place of promise, we must completely get rid of everything that opposes the Lord. If we don’t – if we choose to hang onto even one or two items, sins, lusts – they will lead us and our children astray to worship other gods. The greatest joy a parent has is knowing and watching his/her children serve the Lord, (Proverbs 23:24). We won’t experience that if we’re too busy living for ourselves.
Maybe you’ve struggled to follow what God has said. Perhaps you will doubt. Perhaps you’re afraid. One thing you must remember is what God says in verse 21, “No, do not be afraid…for the Lord your God is among you, and he is a great and awesome God.” He is a great and mighty God. He is awesome. And He is among – in the company of, in the middle of – you and your circumstances. You are not—now or in the future—where He is not.
Don’t be afraid to go and do as He has commanded you, because our great and awesome God is with you!
