How do You React When NO is the Answer?

O. T. #346  "How do You React When NO is the Answer?
August 19, 2014
Numbers 21-Part 4
And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not, for I have delivered him into thy hand...
Numbers 21:34

LET IT GLOW

Have you have heard no for an answer lately? Maybe it was the answer to a prayer, a job advancement, a spouse's decision, a physical test, or just life. How did you take it? Was your reaction  accepting, rejecting, or nonchalant? Israel had a no answer. How did they deal with it?


Moses had a mountain top experience viewing Palestine from Mt. Pisgah. Of course, he had to come down to where the people were. Often, when we have a mountain top experience with the Lord, we have to leave and go serve in the valley where the world and opposing people are.
Israel asked the Amorites the same favor they had earlier asked of the Edomites-let me pass through thy land. The two answers were the same-NO. In fact, both groups came to Israel and attacked them. (Israel was victorious against the Canaanites.)

Israel did not take no for an answer. They had turned away from the Edomites. This time, Israel fought back and won, taking over the Amorites' land. Verse 25 says, Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them...

Verses 26 and 27 give the historical facts on which the poem in verses 27-30 is based. The essence of the poem is, "You Amorites have beaten the Moabites, but we Israelites have beaten you."  (Falwell)

When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence.
(Jesus Calling, a daily devotional book by Sarah Young)

Here was the second victory for Israel. Two out of three isn't bad. How is our rate in fighting the giants in your life?


LET IT GROW

Here we go again. Israel is confronted by Og, the king of Bashan, in battle. (verses 34-35)

This pagan giant is said to have slept in an iron bed measuring 12' x 6' (Deut. 3:11). This does not mean Og was that tall, because warriors normally had beds constructed which were somewhat longer than their stature. But he was a giant, and Moses mentions the size of the bed to illustrate the great victory which the Lord had given them. Og is mentioned other times in the Old Testament: Joshua 2:10; 1 Kings 4:19; Neh. 9:22; Ps. 135:11, 136:20. (Falwell)

What did God tell Moses in verse 34?

• Fear not.
• I have delivered him into your hand, and all his people, and his land.
• Thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

Did these words sound like heavenly music to the Israelites? It had been a while since the Lord proclaimed He would give them victory. And so it happened-no survivors, land conquered.

Are you trusting God to give you victory over a giant in your life? Fear not, friend. He delivered Israel, God can deliver you, His child. Keep praying by faith. Pray for wisdom, peace, blessings, victory. Then give God the glory when it comes.

If "no" is heard, maybe it is for our good and God's glory. Could it be His mercies in disguise?
Continue to walk by faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11)

LET IT GO

Walk by faith.

Trust God for the victory against my giants.

Give Him the glory for it.

If no is my answer, accept it as the best He has for me.