Sometimes it’s hard to believe that better days are coming. But with God, in faith, we can believe God’s promises and know that tomorrow is in his hands, no matter what we may be facing. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before they finally realized God’s promise of entering the promised land. Joshua was appointed by God to lead the army and take possession of the land. There were difficulties and God’s people were opposed by 5 kings who were fighting hard to keep them out, to defeat them. These kings were hold up in a dark cave. Joshua finally cornered them and dragged them out into the light. He told his soldiers to put their feet on the neck of these kings. He said, “This is what the Lord will do to all your enemies.” Their end was rated M for violence, but you get the point. In life, you will face opposition. There are rulers, forces that try to hold you back and keep you from the life God has promised. These “kings” must be brought into the light and exposed. You must put your foot on their neck and rid them of their power over you.

Scriptures – Mark 9:23; Joshua 10:24-25; Daniel 3:26-27; Psalm 141:2; Genesis 27:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Kings 6:17; 1 Kings 18:41; 1 Chronicles 14:15; John 12:29; 2 Kings 4:41; Psalm 34:8

Verses – “All things are possible for the one who has faith.” (Mk 9:23) After Joshua had called the army together, he forced the five kings to lie down on the ground. Then he called his officers forward and told them, “You fought these kings along with me, so put your feet on their necks.” The officers did this, and Joshua continued, “Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged. Be brave and strong. This is what the Lord will do to all your enemies.” (Jo 10:24-25)

Thought – There are 5 “kings” that may need to be brought into the light and subdued in your life. You may not battle all 5 kings, but you will undoubtedly battle some of them. 1) What do you smell? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went through the fiery furnace and came out unscathed, they didn’t even smell like smoke. You may go through difficulties, but the smell doesn’t have to linger. You must move on and shake off the residue. Get rid of the smell. 2) What do you feel? This king defeats a lot of people. If you go by what you feel instead of what you hear from God, you will miss God’s best. Don’t let your feelings keep you from doing what God’s has called you to do. 3) What do you see? Elisha was surrounded by enemy forces and his servant was afraid. Yet, Elisha saw what God was about to do and prayed that his servant would also see. God revealed the hillside filled with horses and chariots of fire. Lift your eyes and ask God for a heavenly perspective and defeat this king. We walk by faith and not by sight. 4) What do you hear? What you are listening to makes all the difference. The world if filled with negativity. It will enter and contaminate your mind and your faith. Don’t join in the world’s negativity, tune to another frequency. Believe what God says! Don’t let this king destroy your faith. 5) What do you taste? During a famine people foraged for anything edible, they made a stew, but discovered that it was poison…Elisha grabbed some flour and threw it into the pot. He told them the stew was then safe to eat. The flour had the same effect as God’s Word in your life situations. Put some Scripture into your poisonous situation. Maybe it’s a relationship, job situation, whatever. Refuse to allow Satan to poison you, keeping you angry, frustrated, and hurt. Put your foot on this king’s neck. Don’t allow poison to keep you from God’s best.

Questions – What kings cause you the most fear and discouragement? How have you defeated some of these kings in the past? Explain. What do you need to do now to gain control over something that is holding you back?

Response – Write down what is causing you fear and discouragement. Make a plan for defeating this king. Look to God’s word. It tells the story of many Godly people who went through trials and found a way through by faith in God’s power.

Prayer – Dear Lord, make me strong and courageous to face each day in faith believing that you hold tomorrow in your hands and there are better days coming. May I hold your promises in my heart and cling to them as you strengthen me through your word and presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!