May 7: Surrounded But Not Defeated

Sharon Campbell-Danvers
Founder, Daughters Arise Ministry

Surrounded But Not Defeated

Theme: Encouraging Others Even When You Are Hurting
Scripture: Job 4:3-6 (KJV)
"Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
Thy words have upheld him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.
But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?"

Many times, we feel like our backs are against the wall in our daily affairs and encounters. Sometimes, we feel like giving up. It’s either fight or flight. As career professionals, we face diverse challenges, many of which are too personal to share—issues with our spouses, children, and extended family members. There are moments when we feel surrounded on all sides, and the journey seems too great to bear.

The children of Israel felt the same way, just as when the Ammonites and the Moabites joined forces against Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 (KJV) says: "It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle." In his distress, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord, and God delivered him. In moments like these, God gives hope.

I have faced similar experiences when modern-day Ammonites and Moabites rose against me. In my anguish, I cried out to God, asking, "Whose child am I? God, You promised to deliver when I call on You." It is noteworthy that the Ammonites and Moabites were not natural allies, yet they formed an alliance to strengthen their attack against God's people. Little did they know that when God’s people are backed into a corner, they are at their strongest, because we know who our God is and what He can do.

I boldly declared before God, "I am an Israelite, and these enemies have risen against me. I claim Your power! Will You allow these uncircumcised to mock Your child?" In a quiet voice, God reassured me: "It will be well. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Exodus 14:13 (KJV) says:
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever."

There are times when we must be bold in our prayers, asking God to stand against those who oppose us. God still performs miracles! When trials arise, He sends an extraction team—an army of angels to encamp around us. Psalm 34:7 (KJV) says: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."

When you are pursued, with the chariots of trouble behind and the Red Sea before you, God commands: Go forward! Exodus 14:15 (KJV) says: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward."

God makes a way where there seems to be none. When the enemy follows, God closes the path behind you, responding to them in His way. Your oppressors cannot walk the path God has designed for you. How dare they attempt to walk across the highway of your victory! Exodus 14:27-28 (KJV) says:
"And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them."

Whatever you might be facing today, know this: Our Deliverer, our Defender, our Victory is with us.
Be mindful that others are watching how you handle trials. Do not fail your God by showing weakness—lift Him up and showcase His power!

While I was in my storm, someone approached me and said, "I admire you. Your strength encourages me." I was surprised—Me? You have no idea how much I cried out to God. You don’t know about the sleepless nights or the times I asked, "Where are You, God?" But through it all, I learned faith.

Our God is great. Our God is bigger than every problem. He has proven that He will call upon His angels—and if necessary, He Himself will stand in the gap for me.
God will favor you like He did the Israelites. This experience is profoundly personal and emotional for me. But I share it to encourage someone who is in the fire right now—hold on to God’s unchanging hand.

When you feel surrounded on every side, remember: You are not defeated. There are more with you than against you. 2 Kings 6:16 (KJV) says: "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

Today, I claim your Passover moment.
I may not know your battles—some are too painful to share, even when you are innocent. But know this: God has a way of delivering His people in due season.

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness. Even when I feel surrounded, I am not defeated. You are my Deliverer, my Shield, and my Victory. Strengthen me to stand firm in faith, knowing that You fight for me. Surround me with Your angels and remind me that You have already won the battle. I claim Your promises today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.