OUTNUMBERED

Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust!

“Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”

Proverbs 16:20

🔎Reflection: A major theme throughout the book of Proverbs, in fact, the whole Bible, is the blessing of humility and surrender to trust the LORD completely. True success is not defined by worldly standards but by obedience to God’s expressed will revealed through His WORD. Legitimate success is inextricably linked to, and indivisible from, the fear of the LORD (Pr 1:7). Proverbs 16:20 reveals that trusting the LORD with all our heart leads to enduring blessings and legitimate biblical prosperity, not the lie and fleeting vapor of the “health & wealth” prosperity gospel rampant today.

Numbers 16 reveals that Korah’s arrogance and pride caused him to place his trust in the wrong things. Korah trusted his flesh, instincts, resume, success, ability to influence others, and overwhelming odds. Korah trusted the numbers. He rallied 250 prominent leaders of Israel in a coup d'état against Moses and Aaron. Korah’s arrogance and pride resulted not only in his judgment and destruction, but also in that of nearly 15,000 who jumped on Korah’s bandwagon. It all started with Korah’s despising and rejecting God’s instruction. Meanwhile, Moses’ prosperity, blessings, and success were all rooted in his trusting God’s divine and perfect provision.

Moses didn’t take matters into his own hands when Korah rebelled; he waited for God’s direction. In contrast, the world often teaches that we must rely on our own abilities to secure success. But in God’s kingdom, success comes from trusting Him completely, especially in the storms of life when the path seems dark, uncertain, or hopeless. Moses trusted in the LORD and was rewarded with divine intervention—God’s plan unfolded as He poured out judgment on Korah, the 250 followers, their families, and all their possessions.

🤺Action: Take a moment today to surrender all your plans and desires to the LORD. Pray to the LORD and ask Him to graciously expose an area where you may be trying to seize success or secure victory by your own strength. Repent of the fleshly desire to worry, manipulate, seize, or control outcomes rather than trusting fully in the LORD. Surrender this area to God, trusting that He will lead according to His perfect plan and timing to accomplish His unstoppable, perfect, and divine will.

🙏Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust that Your plans for me are good as I submit, surrender, and actively participate in Your unfolding plan of salvation. LORD Jesus, You perfectly trusted the Father’s will, even unto death on a cross. My heart’s desire is to do the same, for You purchased me at the cross, and I am no longer my own. Holy Spirit, please fill me with Your courage, boldness, and peace. Help me trust You fully and lean not on my own understanding. Whether on the mountain top or in the valley of the shadow of death, may I glorify you in word, though, and deed. Though I am outnumbered and surrounded, I will put my trust in You. I pray this is the mighty and precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Click the following link for a short video version:

https://youtube.com/shorts/gx1DXRfBofI?feature=shared

Blessings & love,

Kevin M. Kelley

BigIslandChristian.Church