Bullies…

They surround us…

It begins in grade school and continues through life.

There is always someone bigger, stronger, and more prosperous. We have mates, partners, and bosses! The monopoly board of high tech and services that dictate our existence.

The threat of the electricity being shut off, the big red letters demanding what you owe! The eviction notice because your hours were cut back at work, and the rent went up!

The braggart at work who is always spouting off! Your manager, who wields the schedule as a tool of punishment! The spouse who is mad because of all the money spent at the grocery store but is the same person who gripes because there’s nothing good to eat in the house!

King Ahab had a bully knocking on his door! King Ben-Hadad of Aram and his massive army, including 32 kings and all their chariots and horses that went with them, surrounded Samaria!

Thus, putting King Ahab in an uncomfortable position.

Ben-Hadad issued threat after threat after threat…all an act of the bigger, the stronger, oppressing the smaller, the weaker! The final message to King Ahab was that all he owned would be lost to him, his kingdom, his wealth, all his wives and children! He was going to be destroyed!

Now righteously, King Ahab was a bit intimidated and turned to his counsel for advice. It just so happened there was a prophet in the midst! The Prophet did as we all should; he turned to God in prayer!

God answered the prophet that his strong arm would protect!

That was all King Ahab needed to hear! He trusted in the God of Isreal to deliver his people from the threats being hurled over the wall by a loud-mouthed bully!

This is the message King Ahab sent back to King Ben-Hadad in answer to all his threats of annihilation!

1 King 20:11 NIV “The King of Isreal answered, ‘Tell him: One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.”

RIGHT!!! And this is precisely the same attitude we need to carry!

Bullies are everywhere! We can’t speak because that might hurt someone’s feelings!

We can’t pray or worship publically because that might offend someone!

We can’t get ahead because our system is broken!

Prices are through the roof!

The struggle is real!

So the next time a bully shows up, throwing threats your way! The next time you open the mailbox and something mean is waiting inside…

Remember:

Philippians 4:13 ESV “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways, acknowledge him, and I will make straight your paths.”

King Ahab trusted in the God of Isreal. With an army that couldn’t come close to comparing to the enemies, he was victorious, and we can be as well!

I hope you are blessed today and thank you for spending a moment in Sunshine. ☀️❤️☺️