In the face of adversity and challenges, it is natural to feel afraid and overwhelmed. However, throughout history, people of faith have found comfort and strength in the belief that they are protected by God. Come with me as we deal with today’s topic of “delivered from the enemy’s ambush”.

» Tuesday, 31st January 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | Delivered from the Enemy’s Ambush

Yesterday’s daily devotional theme was “there is joy in the journey“ and today’s is “delivered from the enemy’s ambush”.

Anchor Bible verse of the day

Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road.

Ezra 8:31 (NKJV)

Our anchor verse of the day highlights the power of faith and the protection provided by a loving God. Let us explore insight into the meaning and significance of being delivered from the enemy’s ambush.

Themes:

  • Divine protection: The verse emphasizes the belief that God’s hand was upon the group and that He delivered them from harm.
  • Journey: The verse describes a journey taken by the group, from the river of Ahava to Jerusalem. This is similar to our Christian journey.
  • Faith: The verse reflects the group’s faith in God’s protection and guidance, and their belief that God was with them during their journey.
  • Deliverance: The verse mentions the group’s deliverance from the hand of the enemy and from ambush, emphasizing God’s power to protect and save.

Background:

The book of Ezra tells the story of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to their homeland in Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.

Ezra was a priest and teacher of the law who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. Ezra 8:31 describes a portion of their journey and emphasizes the protection and guidance that they received from God along the way.

In the broader context of the book of Ezra, this verse highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of difficult circumstances and challenges.

It also serves as a reminder of God’s presence and power in the lives of His people, and of His commitment to guide and protect them.

Similar verses to Ezra 8:31:

7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8

This verse also emphasizes God’s protection and care for His people. It states that the Lord shall preserve a person from all evil, and shall protect their soul, their going out and their coming in. This verse is similar to Ezra 8:31 in that it expresses confidence in God’s ability to protect and guide His people, even through difficult circumstances.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Joshua is encouraging us to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid or discouraged, as the Lord will be with us wherever we go. Like Ezra 8:31, Joshua 1:9 emphasizes God’s protection and guidance and reinforces the belief that God is always present and will provide strength to His beloved, in difficult times.

Reflection for the Christian:

As you journey through life, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges and obstacles that come your way. Yes, it can be tough and daunting, but remember that you are not alone.

See, just as the people in Ezra 8:31 were delivered from the enemy’s ambush by the hand of God, so too will you be protected and guided by His loving hand. Listen, this ambush could even be spiritual or emotional, and not only physical. But whatever the type of ambush that has been orchestrated against you, have undoubting faith that Elohim is with you.

Keep your focus on your journey and depend on God. Stop listening to the naysayers, for He has promised to provide you with strength and guidance in your struggles.

Trust in Him, and have confidence in His love and protection for you. No matter what comes your way, you can be sure that you are never outside the reach of His hand.

So be encouraged, dear friend, and know that you are always held securely in the arms of God. No power of darkness, no schemes of the enemy, no witchcraft or sorcery can ever separate you from His love and care.

Hold fast to your faith, and know that you are delivered from the enemy’s ambush.

Prayer for you to be delivered from the enemy’s ambush:

Dear Father,

We come to You today again with grateful hearts, knowing that we are always in Your care and that we will be delivered from the enemy’s ambush. As we face the challenges and obstacles of life, we trust in Your promise to deliver us from the enemy’s ambush, just as You protected the believers in Ezra 8:31.

We ask for Your strength and guidance as we navigate this day. Help us to trust in Your love and protection, and give us the courage to face the difficulties that come our way with confidence.

We pray that you will thwart every plan of the enemy on our lives in the name of Jesus.

We pray that You fill us with Your peace and that we would always be mindful of Your presence in our lives. Help us to rely on You and to trust in Your power to deliver us from all harm.

We give You thanks and glory for Your love and care, and we pray that You continue to guide us on this journey of faith.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.