Knowing God Unlocks His Promises

I struggled with all types of fears and insecurities, constantly worried about the future, my job, my ministry, and my family at one point. But eventually, the Lord helped me to understand an important key to truly enjoying life.

The apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:10: “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him … understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly]” (AMPC).

When we get to know God, we are filled with hope and confidence because we realize He’s greater than any situation we will ever encounter. We can learn so much about Him by examining His many names found in the Bible. Each one reveals a unique aspect of His character along with a very specific promise for our lives.

He is Jehovah Jireh, which means “Your Provider.” He’s Jehovah Rapha, “Your Healer,” and Jehovah Shalom, “Your Peace.”

The Lord is also Jehovah Nissi, “The Lord Our Banner.” This means He is our victory: We can expect God to help us win our battles over sin, addictive habits, pain from the past, and anything else that stands in the way of His great plan for our lives.

Satan wants us to think about all the things we can’t do. He wants us to compare ourselves to others and focus on our weaknesses. However, the Lord sees our potential! He wants us to lean on His strength and ability to do the great things He has planned for us.

The story of Gideon in the book of Judges is a perfect example. The Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, who were destroying their land and stealing their cattle. They had lost their freedom and were crying out to God for protection against their enemies.

As Gideon was working in his father’s winepress and hiding from the enemy, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said:

“The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage … Go in this your might and you shall save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”

Gideon said to Him, “Oh Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Behold, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

The Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites” (Judges 6:12, 14-16 AMPC).

In Gideon’s mind, he was the last person qualified to lead Israel’s army to a victory. But he finally agreed.

As Israel’s army of 32,000 men was preparing to go into battle, the Lord had Gideon send all but 300 of them home. God wanted them to depend on Him.

The Lord was about to teach Gideon (and us) an amazing lesson: No matter what we have or don’t have, God can make up the difference when we place our trust in Him.

That day, Gideon and his 300 soldiers overcame the entire Midianite army – a force of more than 135,000 men!

Most of us can relate to Gideon. Maybe the Lord is asking you to step out and do something that seems impossible, or you’re facing an issue that seems too big to handle. Whatever it may be, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord Our Banner, is on your side, and He never loses a battle!

Get to know God more because when you know Him, it releases hope and confidence in the One who can change every area of your life.