Ambush!

The Russian government just pulled its troops out of Kherson in Ukraine. The media says this is "a major military defeat for Putin." Really? What if it's a trap?

We all believe what we want to believe. Whether it is a trap or not, that remains to be seen.

Have you ever read the story of Joshua and how the Israelites caprured the city of Ai at God's direction? God said to Joshua, "Set up an ambush behind the city" (Joshua 8:2). Then Joshua commanded his troops:

"Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready. Then I and all the troops with me will advance on the city. When they come out against us as they did the first time, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have drawn them away from the city, for they will say, ‘The Israelites are running away from us as they did before.’ So as we flee from them, you are to rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. And when you have taken the city, set it on fire." - Joshua 8:4-8

Putin recently put a new man in charge of his army in Ukraine. And this man's first move was to retreat? I don't think so. Not unless something else is going to happen.

Satan is a better strategist than any military general. He can convince us that everything is going to be alright as he draws us into sin after sin after sin. Jesus said this to His disciples:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard;" - Matthew 10:16-17

Everything may seem like "pumpkin and spice and everything nice" but we are all in a war, a spiritual battle. Our general is Jesus. Following His commands is critical in this world we live in today.

This was God's command to Joshua before the Israelites entered The Promised Land: 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

We need to remember that.