Jabesh Gilead was afraid of the Ammonites, so the men tried to make a deal with Nahash. They were willing to serve him if he would make a covenant with them.
But look at the condition Nahash demanded!
‘On this condition I will make a covenant with you, that I may put out all your right eyes, and bring reproach on all Israel!” 1 Samuel 11:1-2
He wanted to put out all their right eyes and bring reproach upon all Israel.
Imagine an entire city of men with their right eyes removed! He wanted to mark their faces with humiliation.
This is what the devil wants to do to you!
He wants to put his mark on your life. He wants to destroy your spiritual vision, weaken your faith, and make you a testimony of shame instead of a testimony of God’s glory.
The devil will offer you a way out of your problems, but you must understand that his deal comes with a price. He will demand something that belongs to God.
Never negotiate with the devil! Never trade your faith for temporary relief!
There was another mistake the elders of Jabesh Gilead made. They asked Nahash for seven days to send messengers throughout Israel.
How many people do the same thing today? They are under pressure, facing difficulties, and instead of trusting God, they begin to consider the devil’s alternatives.
They think, “If God doesn’t help me, I will find another way.”
But you must never make the devil your alternative!
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Your help comes from the Lord!
NO DEAL WITH THE DEVIL!
May the God of the Bible bless you,
Bishop Bira Joshua
