{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"37. Nagging Circumstances","description":"Today\u2019s Scripture reading comes from Exodus 17:16, quoting from the NASB: \u201cAnd he said, \u2018The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.\u2019\u201d No one desires a persistent enemy. Anyone would be happy for the removal of an irritating thorn in the flesh or for the total eradication of a systemic office problem. The Amalekites may have been a persistent irritation to the Israelites, but who were they to God? They were not a formidable foe for the Lord. For Israel to be in recurring conflict with the Amalekites was certainly better for them than striving against them without the Lord. God\u2019s Word to Moses was that He would utterly destroy the Amalekites. Literally and figuratively, God would be in the battle with Israel against their enemy. While Israel would have preferred a less belligerent journey toward the promised land, they would be comforted in God\u2019s faithful presence. Do you find yourself in a persistently problematic circumstance? The leader\u2019s challenge usually does not end with conquest over one issue before another arrives. In fact, multiple, simultaneous issues often test a leader\u2019s prowess. Our response amid such circumstances should mark us as faithful followers of Christ. Moses availed himself of the help of Aaron and Hur in battling the Amalekites. Jesus accepted the help of Simon from Cyrene in carrying His cross when He was physically overwhelmed. To whom do you turn for help and encouragement when facing a persistent issue? The Amalekites were not Israel\u2019s only enemy, and with the destruction of the Amalekites, God did not cease to be Israel\u2019s \u201cbanner.\u201d The point is this: God does not abandon us in the face of weighty circumstances and pressures. Consider God\u2019s prevailing truth and rely on His presence during your times of need for deliverance from nagging circumstances.   \/\/ Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, he gives strength for the battle and rewards courage and skill. Second, he brings faithful people alongside us to help shoulder the burden of our circumstances. Will we strip off pride and accept offers of help? Third, winning a battle does not mean the war is over. Are you confident in God\u2019s promise of His abiding presence as you fulfill your leadership responsibilities?   \/\/ About the Narrator Tom Schmidt was raised in a family of nine on a dairy farm in Kansas. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, graduating in 1970 with a commission in the Infantry. He served for 25 years in command, staff, and instructor assignments, ranging from platoon to Department of the Army level. Tom and his wife, Jean, also served on OCF staff as Field Representative at Ft. Leavenworth and Director of Field Operations.   \/\/ Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon. ","author_name":"Leader, Draw Near","author_url":"http:\/\/ldnpodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"