The way the Lord leads us in triumph is very different from that used by the leaders of nations, for He knows what will happen and what to do even before anything arises and any problem presents itself. God is in no hurry to act, and nothing is difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). His power is immeasurable and His wisdom perfect, evident in all His actions. How we love to hear His guidance and see His Spirit at work in the lives of those who serve Him with joy.

         We are grateful to the Most High for making us His beloved children! We have been chosen by the One who is perfect in every way, who, being omniscient and omnipotent, will never lose a single battle. Being loved by God, we should not worry or lament when something does not turn out as we expected. Our Father knows everything we need before we even realize the situation we are in. If we pray to the Lord, our supplications will be answered. He works on our behalf (Isaiah 64:4).

         God looked after Gideon, not allowing men who were not called to war to harm the one who would soon be a judge in Israel. Gideon respected the Lord and fulfilled his duty as a citizen of the kingdom with calmness and peace. Therefore, he would not flee or be handed over to the despotic king. On the contrary, God promised to deliver the enemies into the hands of His chosen one.

         The Midianites did not know what would happen to them when Gideon began to fight against the forces that had united against Israel, but even if more nations came to face the Lord's people, they would not prevail. This encouraged those who joined God's servant to defeat the wicked who were oppressing and killing the Israelites with hunger. At the right moment, the Most High would aid the children of Jacob.

         Another who was protected by God was David. When he was hunted by King Saul and three thousand of his best soldiers, the Lord gave him escape. Thus, Saul never managed to touch the future ruler of Israel, anointed to take the throne one day. Twice, Saul could have been killed by the son of Jesse, but he refused to touch the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24-26). This attitude only increased God's love in David's life. Do you know why Saul's will over David was not fulfilled? Because the Almighty protected the man who was after His own heart (Acts 13:22). The heavenly Father loves you that way too!

         David, in order to escape from Saul, took refuge in the kingdom of Achish, monarch of the Philistines (1 Samuel 27), he did not extend his loyalty to this king by going to fight against Israel. David did not dare to become the number one enemy of God's people. He knew that the anointing was upon his head and was not willing to do any harm to the Israelites or to Saul, who hated him with a deadly hatred. His understanding of what was right did not allow Saul to catch him.

         We are the special possession of the Most High, whose pleasure it is to bow before the Lord, calling Him God and Father (1 Peter 2:9). Today, we Christians can live in peace, ministering the words of eternal life to all, for no evil will befall us or threaten us. God is faithful!

In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares.