NO DEFEATS
Jesus’ disciples did not possess boldness and fearlessness in themselves. In the natural, they were fearful and unbelieving. When they were out on a boat on the sea of Galilee being tossed by the pounding waves, they were afraid and panicked. They went to Jesus, shook Him from His sleep and said, “…Lord, save us: we perish.” Jesus looked at them and said, “…Why are ye fearful, Oh ye of little faith?” (Matthew 8:25-26).
After Christ had risen from the dead, the disciples were running and hiding in fear. Jesus appeared to them and upbraided them for the unbelief which was at the root of their fear. It was not until after Pentecost that the disciples were bold, strong, and fearless.
Their fearlessness was not based upon their natural understanding. It was a divine characteristic imparted to them by God. The boldness and fearlessness believers in the early Church experienced was a result of being filled within their innermost being with the Holy Spirit … the dunamis miracle power of God.
God originally planned to have a people who were invincible. He entered into a covenant with Israel and promised them: “The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways” (Deuteronomy 28:7).
The Israelites’ fearlessness as they went out into battle against their enemies was based upon the fact that God’s presence was with them to fight their battles and give them victory over their enemies. Moses told Joshua:
Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee. He will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee. Fear not, neither be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)
As long as Israel was obedient to God, God was with them and delivered their enemies into their hands. They were invincible! God told Joshua: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, or forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5). The surrounding nations feared the Israelites because God was with them. God promised Israel,
“I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou wilt come, and I will make all thine unto enemies turn their backs thee” (Exodus 23:27).
God did not plan any defeats for His people. He has not planned any defeats for you.
Make this declaration:
God has not planned any defeats for His people, therefore, He has not planned any defeats for me. (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)
