Worthy Brief - Christian Newsletter » Newsletters » 2025 » May » Worthy Brief - 5/29/2025

Friend, stand in victory!

Ephesians 6:10-13  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  13  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

The Book of Joshua gives us more than a military history -- it unveils the spiritual dynamics behind every victory and defeat in the life of a believer.

Israel's stunning defeat at Ai reminds us how one hidden sin can cause spiritual collapse. God refused to bless their next battle because Achan’s disobedience defiled the camp. Ephesians 6 calls us to stand, clothed in the full armor of God, but no armor will hold if we walk in impurity. Victory requires integrity. Faith cannot thrive in the shadows of secret sin. The moment we tolerate what God has forbidden, we forfeit divine protection and invite defeat—even when our strategies seem sound.

But God's mercy always opens the door to restoration. Once Israel repented and removed the accursed thing, God told Joshua to rise and go forward. That same grace is ours today. When we confess and forsake sin, the blood of Yeshua (Jesus) cleanses us, and the Spirit reequips us. God doesn’t just forgive -- He renews. Our past failures don’t disqualify us; they can deepen our dependence and sharpen our obedience. The voice that once said “Do not go up” now says, “See, I have given it into your hand.”

Yet not all battles come with swords drawn. The enemy often comes in disguise. The Gibeonites fooled Israel with moldy bread and clever words—because Joshua and the elders “asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.” Likewise, many compromises in our lives begin with something that seems harmless. The devil is a master of suggestion, of false reasoning that blurs conviction with compassion. That’s why spiritual discernment is armor as much as the sword. Our best defense against deception is to stay in step with the Spirit and seek God’s voice before making any decision.

Later, when Joshua brought out the five kings from the cave and commanded his men to place their feet on their necks, it became a prophetic picture of our victory in Him. Paul tells us to stand -- not strive, because the Lord has already conquered. The enemy we face is a defeated one, and we overcome not by might, but by positioning ourselves in the triumph of Yeshua. If we are in Him, we are more than conquerors. We don’t need to beg for victory -- we need to believe, stand, and walk in it.

Even the unrelenting waves of resistance that Israel faced were orchestrated by God. Joshua 11:20 reveals that it was the Lord who hardened their enemies’ hearts -- so they would rise up and be defeated. In this, we see God's mysterious plans: every battle we face is tailor-made to train us. What feels like opposition is often a divine opportunity. The giants that stand before us today are the platforms of tomorrow’s testimony. God wastes no enemy and permits no trial without a purpose.

Friend, so stand, not in your own strength, but in the strength of the One who goes before you. The battles you face are not signs of abandonment -- they are invitations to deeper trust, fuller surrender, and greater victory. Let every defeat drive you to Him. Let every compromise be burned away by truth. Let the light of God's counsel expose every disguised enemy. And when the enemy rises again -- as he will -- remember: the ground beneath your feet is not one of fear or striving, but of conquest already won. The Captain of the Lord’s Host still stands with sword drawn, not to assist your agenda, but to lead you into His. Put on the full armor of God. Take your place. And having done all to stand.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George, Baht Rivka & Obi - Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: We’re heading back to Israel leading an incredible 10-day, 10-night journey from October 19–30. As always, we’re keeping the group to just one bus to ensure a more personal and intimate experience — so space is limited! Read More...

Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!