Scripture - Ezek 38:14-17 "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says the Lord GOD:"On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? 15 Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. 16 You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes."
Observation - Ezekiel or the seer is speaking prophetically here. He is speaking of end days when the evil will come against the people of God and will be used as an instrument to show God's mercy, power, compassion and might. He is telling the evil exactly what role they play in fulfilling God's ultimate plan of salvation for His people. God speaks through Ezekiel here to tell the evil what limitations they have and to what extent they will be used. God will be shown as holy through the efforts of the adversity. God always comes through with flying colors no matter how strong the attack.
Application - While this scripture is focused on end day prophecy, there is much truth that can be applied to our lives today. I think back to every situation that the enemy has intended to take me down. Every time I have faced an obstacle that was clearly devised to destroy the work that God has placed me in. Whether it be financial, reputational, social, familial - God has come through every situation to make me stronger - tougher - more tenacious but also to show His holiness. God works through every situation like a master weaver, weaving the fabric of my life with care into a beautiful masterpiece that exemplifies His holiness and His glory. I believe many Christians would rather leave the bad stuff that happens behind and would rather not deal with them. I know that sometimes issues seem really big and overwhelming - but if we can begin to look for how God will be glorified and testifed in each one - it makes the ride a whole lot more bearable. Not that we look for bad things to happen. But let's face it we are living in a real world with real issues and in each issue there is a Holy God that is waiting to bring us through.
Prayer - God thank you for your holiness. I am so thankful that you are always standing by my side. Ps 145 says that "The Lord watches over all those that love Him." Father, I love you with all of my heart. I pray that you teach me how to look for your holiness and mercy in every situation that I face. God bring me through in a way that gives you glory and that I can further shout your praise.
