Leaders come and go. Throughout history, we see both godly and ungodly men lead their country. In 1 Kings, we are introduced to Ahab. The Bible refers to him as one of the most wicked leaders of Israel. Despite his wickedness, God allowed him to defeat several enemies to prove that God was indeed God alone. God made a promise and continued to fulfill it, even though many of the leaders were not always the best of character.
Ahab had already defeated Ben-hadad, yet Ben-hadad’s advisors encouraged him to strike again in the Spring, this time on the plains. The enemy thought they had been defeated due to Israel being a better fighter in the hills than on the plains. They never considered that God had intervened on Israel’s behalf and that is why they had been defeated. I Kings 20:27, “Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and moved into the battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside!” The enemy felt confident they would be able to defeat Israel this time. They were out-numbered in strength – or so they thought.
Israel was once again victorious. The little Israeli army killed 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers. The rest of the enemy fled however a wall fell on them and killed another 27,000 men.
God wished that Ahab would recognize where his strength came from and why he had been victorious. Unfortunately, to his detriment, Ahab never did. Elijah, the prophet came to Ahab and prophesied his death as well as the death of family. Elijah told Ahab it was because he “sold to what was evil in the Lord’s sight” (1 Kings 21:20). Yet, when Ahab repented, God took notice and gave him mercy. God chose to allow Ahab not to see the dissolution of his family, nonetheless, Ahab died in battle when, once again, he disguised himself trying to outsmart the enemy in his own strength and wisdom.
Even though it may appear that the ungodly are winning the battle, God will always bring about His justice.
Christians, do not become discouraged when we see the enemy gaining power. Be encouraged to know that no matter how bleak things may seem, we are in God’s army, and we are always on the winning side. Regardless of how outnumbered the ungodly seem to be versus the godly, we can look to our heavenly Father and put our trust in Almighty God and not in men. God always sees the motives and commitments of our leaders. God intervenes in our affairs, and He is always victorious. Where is your trust?
Joshua 24:15, “And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord:
Rhonda L Smart, [email protected]
