Parasha: Ekev (as a result)
Torah: Devarim 7:12-11:25
It is inevitable that as we proceed through life’s journey, we encounter situations that will test our faith. As we go through the process of doubting, decision making and fearing our outcomes, we are encouraged to “remember the past” faith trials“ that we have experienced and brought positive outcomes into our lives.
Israel is camped on the east side of the Jordan river waiting for the word from Avinu to begin dispossessing the seven nations that are occupying the land of Canaan. All seven nations are physically bigger and much stronger than Israel. In normal physical circumstances Israel wouldn’t stand a glimmer of a chance to defeat any one of the nations, let alone combining all seven nations.
Here is what Moshe said to the people:
18 You shall not be afraid of them: but shall well remember what Avinu Elohekah did to Paro, and to all Mitzryim; 19 The great trials which your eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby Avinu Elohekah brought you out: so shall Avinu Elohekah do to all the people of whom you are afraid.
About three hundred years later, Israel was facing another, more powerful enemy and the nation’s future was once again looking pretty dismal. The Israeli army was being challenged by a nine foot giant who was provoking anyone in the army to come out and fight him to the death. Israel cowered to the challenge. Then one day a young man whose name was David heard the challenge while visiting his brothers at the battle front. David accepted the challenge and word was quickly to the leader of the Israeli. Saul met with David and tried to talk him out of fighting. Here was David’s answer:
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living Avinu. 37 Moreover David said, Avinu, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Go, and Avinu be with you! (1Sam 17:34-37 NKJV)
David remembered. David’s faith was strengthened.. David experienced good outcomes based on his past experiences.
Do you remember any past experiences that strengthened your faith?
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