This Isn’t Just a War Story. It’s a Faith Story.

I remember just a short while ago, I was battling with so much, and it led to my unemployment for 7-8 months. I didn’t know how I would survive all that time and still take care of my family. I was stressed out of my mind, that was until I met the LORD Almighty. There’s a church less than a mile from my home, great people, but I didn’t belong to this church. However, I was close with a couple of the members, as we would constantly talk about the Bible. My name began to spread throughout this church, and it felt weird because I never thought I’d be a part of God’s family. I didn’t know what to expect: the love, the support, the everything of it all. Then, all of a sudden, God began making a way for me, by way of the church.

This is an older church, and repairs were always needed. Somehow, I became the person they called on to do the repairs. I’ve always been good with my hands, but never had a whole community counting on me. I was hired to do a lot, from painting to flooring. I started thinking to myself, “How did I get here?” I didn’t know anything about flooring or painting, but God made a way for me to figure it out. It was like He was saying, “You do this, and I’ll take care of you.” When the church would ask, “How much?” I would tell them, “I don’t need money; I will do this for the LORD, for free, as He’s given me so much.” I didn’t expect anything in return, but this church would collect, raise, and come out of their own pockets to ensure I was paid for my time.

I don’t know guys; it just reminds me of how God made a way for me to survive all that time without officially having a job. And that brings me to a story that hits on this same truth: the defeat of Sihon, King of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:24-37).

Israel was on the move, finally getting closer to the Promised Land. But standing in their way was King Sihon, ruler of the Amorites. God told Moses, “I have given into your hands Sihon the Amorite king of Heshbon and his country. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle” (Deuteronomy 2:24 NIV). Notice how God spoke in the past tense: I have given. Before Israel even stepped foot on the battlefield, the victory was already decided.

But here’s the twist; Moses still tried to go the peaceful route first. He sent messengers to Sihon, asking for permission to pass through his land peacefully, even promising not to take anything. But Sihon? He wasn’t having it. “But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass through. For the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to give him into your hands, as he has now done” (Deuteronomy 2:30 NIV).

Sihon made his choice, and that choice led to his downfall. He brought his entire army out to fight Israel, but it wasn’t even close. Israel crushed them, taking everything, cities, land, provisions. Why? Because when God makes a way, nothing can stand in the way.

So What’s the Takeaway?

This isn’t just a war story; it’s a faith story. It’s about how God goes before us and makes a way even when we can’t see how it’s possible. Israel didn’t know how they were going to take the land, just like I didn’t know how I was going to provide for my family. But just like He did for me, He did for them. He took care of it. The battle was already won before they even lifted a sword.

Sometimes, we hesitate to move forward because we don’t see the way. But what if the way is already made? What if God has already set things in motion, and we just have to walk in obedience?

What’s your Sihon? What’s standing in your way, looking impossible to overcome? Maybe it’s financial struggles, doubts, fear, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, trust that God has already gone before you. The battle is won; you just have to walk in faith.

Let me know your thoughts. Have you ever faced something that seemed impossible, only for God to come through in a way you didn’t expect? Drop a comment or message me. I’d love to hear your story!