We’ve been talking about breakthrough in 2022 for Hope City Church and have been using as the core scripture 2 Samuel 5:19-20; this is where David inquired of God, asking “Shall I go up against the Philistines?” God responded that He would “doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
God told David to move forward with absolute assurance that God would do what He said He would do. In another translation, God said, “You can count on Me!”
“You can count on Me!”
I like the fact that when God told him He was with David, David went straight to Baal Perazim and defeated the Philistines; he didn’t wait around.
We have the miracle-working power of God in us to deal with any enemy that tries to hold us back. The God of the breakthrough is in us! So when something contrary to that tries to live in you, Who has the greater power in your life? God, of course!
When something tries to prevent you from doing what God has called you to do, God is there to supersede that enemy. Sickness has to yield to the greater power. Depression and anxiety have to yield. Poverty has to yield.
The problem comes when we start looking at the problem instead of God.
In the old covenant – before Jesus – people DID something and then God responded; today, we exist in the Truth that God HAS ALREADY DONE! He’s given us the breakthrough!
God has already moved through Jesus, and He has expressed His will for us in His Word, so we can stand in confidence against any attack! That said, we can certainly learn from things David did, even under that old covenant. Because the enemy tries to change your belief about Him and His Word.
The enemy tries to get us to fight on his terms instead of existing in God’s stronghold.
Stay Out of the Enemy’s Boxing Ring!
Think about a boxing ring. The enemy wants you to try to fight him one-on-one instead of being with God in His corner. The victory has already been won…don’t buy the lie that you need to get in the ring and fight. Be in the stronghold and believe God!
Psalm 91:1-2 in The Passion Translation reminds us, “When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence.”
David did the right thing. He knew all the Philistines were hunting for him (2 Samuel 5:17), but he didn’t worry…he headed to the stronghold.
“So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.” – 2 Samuel 5:19-20
HE WENT TO THE STRONGHOLD – This provided a place of protection and gave David the opportunity to prepare for the challenge.
HE INQUIRED UPON THE LORD – David sought wisdom and direction from God.
HE DID WHAT GOD SAID TO DO – When David heard from God, he was empowered. Then, he yielded himself to God instead of walking in his own “knowledge” and opinion.
David wasn’t alone when he went to the stronghold…he got with people of like belief. One of the most practical things you can do is to stay around people of faith so that when an attack comes, you have back-up! You always want to be around people who will speak God’s Word, not doubt and unbelief and “life’s experiences.”
“This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing. In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” – Hebrews 10:25 (TPT)
Exist in the stronghold! Stay out of the boxing ring of doubt and unbelief, trying to win a fight God’s already won! Your strength is in the stronghold!
To watch the Jan. 23, 2022 service on which this post was based on, CLICK HERE.
