But Sihon, king of Heshbon, would not let us pass by him, for the Lord thy God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. Deuteronomy 2:30
One year in the 1950s, a series of Gospel meetings was being planned for the town of Oxford, Nova Scotia. Those who were working toward seeing that series underway were running into obstacles and opposition. The final obstacle was permission from the town council for a tent to be pitched for the series. At least one councillor had vowed that those meetings would never be held. But as Hiel Patterson made his way through the town to collect the needed signatures on his application form, he encountered the town policeman, who was also a Christian. ‘Let me go with you,’ was the officer’s request. And he assumed control of the mission. He practically ordered the councillors to sign the document, and sign they did, even the councillor who had been such a strong opponent. The man who had vowed to stop the Gospel was embarrassed and ashamed before all the town. The Lord had wrought a great victory, and the Gospel series proceeded, with lasting fruit that eventually resulted in the planting of an Assembly in that town.
Our text tells us of the Lord’s working to accomplish the blessing of His people. Sihon’s opposition was his own destruction. We often find that is the case today. Many of those who oppose the efforts of Christians to spread the Gospel are brought to shame and exposed for their ignorance and opposition.
We should never take the opposition of the world and its leaders to be the will of God. Because God can change circumstances to achieve His purposes. What opposition do you face today? What challenges lie in the way of your blessing? Commit the need unto the Lord and then watch Him work the needed miracle.
Yes, God will move Sihon out of the way for you today. Trust Him. -Jim MacIntosh