She was bigger than me and her mean gaze immediately told me she wasn’t happy.
At first, I didn’t know what this girl was so angry about, but I quickly found out.
“You better move! This is my seat,” the upset stranger said with her lips twisted in disgust.
Not knowing the code of conduct at my new school, I had randomly selected a round table with open seats, plopped my lunch tray down and prepared to eat. Though I noticed the other girls already sitting there peering at me, I figured they just weren’t used to me.
I had moved around and been the new girl so much that I was pretty accustomed to being started at. Though uncomfortable, it was simply part of the adjustment process.
Unfortunately, the chair I selected happened to belong to one of the school bullies. Sitting there was a complete violation, a huge no-no.
I’ll admit, it was an intimidating moment. Yet, I defied her demand to give up that spot.
Everyone looked completely shocked and waited with bated breath for her to slap me clear across the room, and possibly straight through one of the large windows.
“Leave her alone!” another one of the girls said, jumping to my defense. I guess she felt sorry for me and feared for my safety.
While I was appreciative of her concern and kindness, I assured my impassioned defender that I wasn’t afraid and could handle myself just fine.
So then, the stage was set for my brutal beating, at least in the minds of those observing. But, instead of striking out at me, my adversary chose to threaten me, saying, “Don’t let me catch you after school!”
That's the classic one-liner that sends terror through young ones' veins and causes their blood to curdle, right?
Knowing she would be waiting for me to deliver my painful beating was supposed to torment me for the rest of the day.
It did.
Fellow students reminded me of what was to come when the final bell rang.
Despite the tension and anxiety I felt, however, I wasn’t about to hide out from my enemy. I wasn’t going to let scare tactics paralyze me.
I swallowed hard, did my best to steady my breathing and marched outside. I really didn’t want to fight, but I wasn’t going to run, that's for sure.
A crowd of students had already gathered, anticipating violence as entertainment. But the gatherers left disappointed that afternoon.
She was a no-show and I was relieved.
Just as that natural bully threatened me, but didn’t back up her words, spiritually, our biggest bully of all, Satan, breathes out threats and attacks he cannot carry out.
He desires to conjure up fear, worry and anxiety to make you cave in. But the good news is, you have our almighty, invincible God fighting for you.
He is the same God who moved on Israel’s behalf when they were pursued by Pharaoh’s army when attempting to cross the Red Sea.
In Exodus 14:19, the Bible says that, the angel of the Lord, as well as the very pillar of cloud God used to guide the Israelites through the wilderness, moved from in front of them, to behind them.
By God’s supernatural power, once the cloud moved to the back of Israel, it cast extreme darkness over Pharaoh and his army, obscuring their path forward. Simultaneously, on the side of the cloud facing the direction of God’s chosen people, it emitted light, illuminating the way.
When Moses stretched his rod and parted the sea, Israel could see while walking across the Red Sea on dry land.
The Egyptians, however, whose hearts were hardened against God’s people, were blinded by the supernatural darkness of the cloud.
When God got behind Israel, He put a separation between them and the enemy. The Egyptians, who sought to attack them from behind, were neutralized.
God blocked the attack!
He's doing the same for you.
He’s blocking the attack on your family.
He’s blocking the attack on your mind.
He’s blocking the attack on your ministry.
He’s blocking the attack on your health.
He’s blocking the attack on your job.
He’s blocking the attack on your divine purpose.
In Isaiah 52:12 KJV, God told His people, “For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.”
That word “rereward” in Hebrew means “rear guard” like the rear guard of an army, which defends, protects and prevents attacks from the rear.
So God was saying, you don’t have to run away from the enemy, be intimidated, or fearful, because God has your back. He is your defense.
Isn't that good news?
He's your rear guard, blocking the enemy’s weapons. That’s why what the devil tries won’t work!
To remind you that God is fighting the enemy on your behalf, I’m stirring Exodus 14:14 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, place your hope, confidence and trust in the Lord who defends you. Know that He is your present help in trouble.
And remember, the attack the enemy had planned will not succeed. God has already blocked it and surrounded you with favor to move forward.
Now let’s pray.
God, the enemy is attacking me from every angle, but I know I am protected, blessed and favored. Despite what it looks like right now, I refuse to speak defeat, but I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, for You are my help. Thank You Lord for the victory You have already won for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
