Drive them all out

Perhaps you will think to yourselves, ‘How can we ever conquer these nations that are so much more powerful than we are?’ But don’t be afraid of them! Just remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all the land of Egypt. Remember the great terrors the Lord your God sent against them. You saw it all with your own eyes! And remember the miraculous signs and wonders, and the strong hand and powerful arm with which he brought you out of Egypt. The Lord your God will use this same power against all the people you fear. (Deuteronomy 7:17-19)

As the small nation of Israelites was about to inherit the land God had promised to them, he gives them the instruction to destroy all the inhabitants of the land, one by one, and even destroy their places of worship. Many of these nations had much more advanced military might, strong leaders of their armies, and ruthless kings. Yet, God's instruction is clear - destroy them all, one by one, until none remain - and remember - remember the way God intervened to bring your deliverance from Egypt. As we face some of our toughest enemies it is good to 'remember'. To recall the things God has already done for us and recall the promise he gives to be with us always. It seems like God is saying there will be times when everything in front of us looks bigger than life, but when we take time to remember all he did when we faced things 'bigger than life' in our past, we might just find the courage to move forward in his powerful presence.

Just remember... Remember the moment he stopped your car from spinning out of control on an icy roadway. Remember the time when your finances seemed to be smaller than your need, but every need was met without ever missing even one payment on one bill. Remember the time your child's fever was so high and you prayed so long through the night to find them well, hungry, and ready to face the day with smiles the next morning. Remember the struggle with that one sin you indulged so often and the moment you realized it had no pull on you ever again. Remember... God isn't done yet - whatever lies ahead is not greater than what has come before. He was with you then - he is with you now - he will be with you with each new challenge you face.

Memory is a powerful thing when it is used as God intends - to recall the times he has revealed himself more powerful than our worst fears, bigger than our worst nightmares, and stronger than our toughest enemies. Maybe this is why God tells us to remember - because we want to remember the power of our enemies and not the supreme goodness and care of our great God. When we shift the focus from what we remember as fearful and intimidating toward what is gracious and good, we begin to see that God goes before us, stands united with us, and surrounds us with armies mightier than any we face that he commands us to 'drive out'. So, don't just stand there - start driving them all out! The tougher they are, the harder they will fall under God's mighty hand. Just sayin!