But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. (Ex. 1:12)
In junior high school, I stood up to a bully. In a town where gangs were prevalent and alliances were tight, I knew he had a crew on his side, and I would have to rally some people for my safety. I made a call to some cousins who attended another school nearby upon being told he was planning to jump me after school. When the bell rang and I walked outside, as expected, the bully stood there waiting with his crew.
But much to his surprise car horns began sounding off as my family pulled up. A few words were exchanged by him and one of my cousins and the bully walked off. I realized that day that you can take a stand on your own, but sometimes you need someone with greater power and authority to speak on your behalf. The bully ready to attack me with four people was soon surrounded by twice that number. Soon he came to dread the mention of our family’s name.
We have a spiritual family whose Father is the author of creation, whose angels are dispatched on special assignment. Although our enemy is ruthless and seeks to intimidate, oppress, and humiliate us, we are built to endure hardship and reflect the courage and character of the One who created us. Demons still tremble at the mention of his name.
Don’t go alone when you should call for backup.
Santes Beatty is director of multiethnic ministries for The Wesleyan Church.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
