Yesterday, I was talking to one of my close relatives who is a waitress; it wasn't one of the best days for her. For some reason, when she went to work, her Manager, who is usually warm and helpful, was in a not so good mood. It seemed that her Manager decided to take it out on her by moving her from her regular tables and sticking her in a section of the restaurant that doesn't get very much traffic.
Now, this was a huge problem, because tips mean everything. And low traffic means low tips. So, when she asked her Manager why she was switched from her normal section, she received a cold and abrupt response.
"You never work in that section, that's why," her Manager snapped.
Confused by the behavior and the decision of her Manager, she tried to plead her case. "But this section is reserved for rookies and you never put veteran waitresses in this section." She was desperately hoping for a change of heart.
But no such thing happened.
The Manager was adamant and the Supervisor supported the decision.
Feeling somewhat dejected about the bad situation her bosses placed her in, she waited tables, praying and pleading that God would come to her rescue. Her budget couldn't take a hit.
You know what happened?
Although her Manager didn't have the change of heart she hoped for, God gave her favor with the parties that did come to dine in her area, and they were very liberal with the tips. Remarkably, she made more money yesterday in the low traffic area, on a slow weekday, than she typically makes in her regular section.
Won't God fight your battles for you and give you favor? Your victory may not come the way you want or expect it to, oh but God will deliver you nonetheless.
You see, there will inevitably be situations you and I can't change: Perhaps a difficult boss, an irreconcilable relationship, a financial setback, a health battle, or some other pressing concern. Problems will arise; that's just a natural part of life.
But even though the cards seem to be stacked against us during these moments, we have to remember that when the Lord is on our side, it doesn't matter what happens in our everyday lives. He will come to our rescue, not once, not twice, not sometimes, but every single time.
Even when others seek to do us hurt without cause, God will come to our aid. We have no need to be worried, upset, or intimidated by what comes against us, though we may be caught off guard.
You know those storms that come out of nowhere and blindside you?
It is during these type seasons of intense warfare and attack, that God proves Himself to be a very present help in our time of need. He cares about every facet of our lives. And just as He went before the Children of Israel in the Old Testament, so too, does He go before us to fight our battles.
Whatever we may be facing today will indeed pass and we''ll end up looking back on the situation and realizing that what our enemy meant for bad, God turned it all around for our good. We'll see how the attack fell flat and didn't work. We'll know that we got worked up for nothing. We will finally recognize that God was fighting for us all along.
So today, I want to encourage you. No matter what might be going on; no matter who or what is coming against you; no matter how hard the enemy tries to shake your faith, know that the Lord is on your side and remember what the Word of God promises to you: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).
Just like the 3 Hebrew boys that were thrown in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) emerged without being burned, you too, will walk through your fiery trial unscathed.
Be encouraged.
God's hedge is all about you and that plan the enemy has tried to set in place has already been defeated; The Lord has given you victory. It's time to rejoice in knowing that "The God who fights for you" is living on the inside.
Song of the Day: I've posted one of Fred Hammond's classic songs (that I LOVE) "No Weapon" from the Pages of Life album that I want you to get in your spirit today.
