Shalom, my friends, and thank you for joining me once again as we explore questions found in Scripture. Let’s begin by answering the question of who can be against us. At times in my own life, it has felt like EVERYTHING but God was against me. (Certainly, the enemy is against me.) But what else? Sometimes family, exes, health, jobs, vehicles, even myself! Yes, upon reflection, I have definitely at times been against myself by not living in alignment with God’s call upon my life.

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Now that we’ve scratched the surface of who can be against us, let’s observe and remember the God that is for us. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God created man in His image and placed him in a garden to live in perfect unity with Him forever. I believe we are called to receive and walk into that identity. We are a unique and wonderful part of His creation. We are His children, and He will never give up on restoring us. That is the God who is for us, and He is far greater than anyone or anything that can be against us.  

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Here are some other examples:

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In the book of Exodus, God leads His people Israel out of Egypt where they had been captive for over 400 years. That is the God who is for us.

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In 1 Kings, God shows his faithfulness to Elijah by making fire on Mount Carmel, as well as ending the drought. That is the God who is for us.

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In the story of Job, we see repentance and restoration. “The Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10). That is the God who is for us.

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Ezekiel chapter 37 teaches us that Adonai Elohim brings dead things to life just by His breath. And He promises His people that He will put His Spirit in us and place us in our own land. That is the God who is for us.

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In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are protected in King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace by a fourth man in the fire who was like the Son of God. That is the God who is for us.

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In Matthew 8, Jesus calms the storm when His disciples are certain that they are going to die. That is the God who is for us.

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In Matthew 26, before his arrest, Jesus prays that if there is no other way, the Father’s will be done. That is the God who is for us.

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In Matthew 28, the God that created the heavens and the Earth resurrects His Son from the grave and gives Him all authority in Heaven and on Earth. That is the God who is for us.

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And in Revelation 21 we learn of a new Heaven and a new Earth that are to come. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:7). That is the God who is for us.

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So, who can be against us? Friends, a multitude have/can/will be against us. As long as there is sin in the world and an enemy roaming around like a roaring lion, there will be forces against us. But they are no match for our God. However, like in each of those examples from Scripture, we need to do our part by accepting and receiving God into our lives and hearts. We must call upon His Name and trust Him. He requires us to take that step of faith and obedience when we are in storms and valleys. I invite you to look up your favorite Scriptures that prove God’s faithfulness, or maybe you have a unique and powerful story of his love and power in your own life. I encourage you to share those stories and testimonies with others and see how God will show up in those moments.  

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For anyone who is struggling in a storm this season, please don’t go at it alone. Reach out, get connected with ACF Groups, and trust that God is for you. God is no closer to us than in our heart. Remember, as we participate in Restoration Life, we are participating in the Father’s work of restoring all things, so that those who believe and endure may spend eternity with Him.

Father God, I lift my brothers and sisters to You in prayer. You love Your children so much, and I thank you for the opportunities we have to worship and glorify Your name with our lives. Thank You for always reminding us that You are greater than any force that may be against us. Jesus, may your Church grow in unity and not division as we all run our unique races. We believe You at Your Word and ask that You lead us in confident obedience each and every day. We pray in the authority of Your name, King Jesus. Amen.