The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 18 July 2026 – God Works Out His Purposes Through Our Challenges
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TOPIC: God Works Out His Purposes Through Our Challenges
READ: Micah 4:9-13
9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.
10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.
11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.
12 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
THE MESSAGE:
Micah 4:9-13 reveals a prophetic vision of Israel’s suffering and ultimate triumph. The passage begins with a lament over Israel’s distress, portraying the nation as a woman in labour, symbolising intense pain and helplessness. Yet, this anguish is not the end – God promises deliverance and restoration. The imagery of Zion’s enemies gathering like harvesters foreshadows their downfall as God transforms Israel’s weakness into strength. Verses 12-13 highlight God’s sovereignty, showing that He uses the struggles of His people to achieve His divine purposes, ultimately leading them to victory and dominion over their oppressors.
Today’s passage offers reassurance that our present trials are part of God’s greater plan for redemption. Like Israel, we may face moments of despair, but we are reminded to trust in God’s timing and purposes. Through faith, we can endure hardships, knowing that God is refining us for a greater victory. Just as Israel was called to rise and thresh, we too are empowered to stand firm in God’s strength, proclaiming His truth and advancing His kingdom even in the midst of adversity.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to trust in your plans and find hope in the promise of victory in my trials.
