Proverbs 21:30

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.

One of the most referenced events in the Bible involves the Exodus of Israel out of Egypt. The presence of God, the Ten Commandments, the faith and obedience of Moses, the rebellion of the people, the wandering in the desert for 40 years are all repeatedly mentioned throughout the Bible. But one thing caught my attention as I read about the early events of the Exodus.

In Exodus 3, Moses, who had been living as a shepherd for his father-in-law for 40 years, has a personal encounter with God through the burning bush. Throughout the chapter God gives instructions to Moses and a general picture of the events to come. Then in the passage below He tells Moses of something that illustrates the “completeness” of the coming victory and freedom from slavery.

He tells Moses that the king of Egypt will be reluctant to let the people go until he is “compelled” by God and His power. Afterwards He says:

“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Wars throughout most of history were fought exclusively by men. The men prepared for battles. The men fought the battles. The men of the conquering army collected the “spoils of war” on the battlefield and in the enemy camp. Wars were always men centered events. Given their role in middle eastern society, women, and especially children, were almost never involved in this aspect of war…and sometimes were considered one of the “spoils” of war.

This victory — planned, foretold, directed and executed by God Himself — would be so complete and secure that women and children would be involved gathering the spoils of His victory. Thus the entire Hebrew nation would experience the victory and the glory of God…without drawing a single weapon. Only God can secure a victory to this extent.

What challenges are you facing right now? Is there something that seems insurmountable? Are you facing obstacle, after obstacle, after obstacle as you try to proceed forward? Are you overwhelmed? Are you becoming exhausted?

Invite — no — pursue God in your situation. God saw their misery, heard their cry for help, was fully aware of the entire situation, and finally came down to deliver them through a humbled Moses (Exodus 3:7-8).

James 5:16 tells us that the sincere, heartfelt prayer of a righteous man or woman has the power to do much. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus directs us to come to Him when we are burdened and He will give us rest.

Both the Old and New Testaments instruct us that the most complete and secured victory we can have is in the Lord, in accordance to His will.

First, do you even know the Lord — personally? If you do, are you in right fellowship with Him with a heart bent towards humility and obedience? Perhaps the challenge you are facing is the “burning bush” in this season of your life. Seek the Lord and His righteousness first. The most complete and secure victory you will experience, internally and/or in your circumstances, is in the Lord. Nothing can prevail against the Lord.