2008-08-11 - Jephthah: Quick to Speak

Through faith, Jephthah knew God would come through. (Judges 11, Hebrews 11:32-34)

All eyes were on Jephthah. The fate of his people and homeland was on him and his men. As the military leader of Gilead's army, Jephthah was responsible for defeating their enemy, the Ammonites. Commander Jephthah did not depend on his or his soldiers' abilities; he turned to God for the assurance of winning the battle.

We may not be on a literal battlefield, but we could be facing barriers, roadblocks, or people who don't have our best interest at heart. Even if our opposition looks different today, we still can have victory, when we turn our eyes to the Lord. "For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory." (Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV)

Jephthah made an oath to the Lord, and promised if his troops won, then Jephthah would sacrifice the first thing he saw upon his return. He had faith that God would bring victory. The Lord honored Jephthah's request, and Gilead was delivered from its enemies.

Unfortunately, Jephthah's vow caused his daughter to innocently lose her life. She was the first person who greeted Jephthah upon his return from battle. Jephthah was a man of integrity. He could have ignored his promise to the Lord, but he didn't, knowing his daughter would give up her life.

Lord, At times I want to be in control, so I am not surprised at the outcome. In those situations, I have learned to give the control over to You. Please do what is best. When I relinquish control over to You, it can be a source of freedom in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
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