Dealing With Powerful People

Deuteronomy 7:24
“He will deliver their kings into your hand so that you will make their name perish from under heaven; no man will be able to stand before you until you have destroyed them.”

This was a promise God gave to Moses and the people. They were to be given the land of Israel. However, the present inhabitants were established nations with armies. Their kings were powerful and represented a great threat to the Jews.

As we live our lives there are many powers that we are subservient to: the government, our bosses, parents and more. We also intersect with plenty of social groups in which people have powerful personalities. They have a influence over us. Sometimes it’s not pleasant. Some of these are bullies.

While these do have power, they only have enough influence that’s allowed by The Lord. Proverbs 21:1 says “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” The king isn’t aware of this. He thinks he’s in control. God puts thoughts and ideas in his head. What’s true of the king is true of the commonor. The Lord puts thoughts and ideas in all our minds.

A bad boss or a bully can look upon us as prey. However, they don’t know they have a leash upon them. They are under God’s sovereignty. If we feel oppressed, it’s because He’s allowing it. He’s teaching us how to deal with difficult people.

God will honor us. Psalm 23 says, “He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” As we are walking in reliance upon and obediance to God, He does this. He grants us respect. We don’t demand it. It comes from a life well lived.

Lord, thank You that You are our God and You are the chief power in our lives. Yes, we have authorites that we are to obey, but they only have the power over us that You allow.