Jehovah Nissi, My Victory.
Jehovah Nissi My Victory
If asked the question, who is God? What would you say?
If they believe He exists, most would say that He is the all powerful creator of the universe. However, that is as far as you are going to go with consensus. The ideas on the identity of God are about as numerous as the skeletons in Bill Clinton's closet. In truth, whatever we believe about God, we believe by faith.
My faith is anchored in the scriptures and teachings of what has come to be known as the Holy Bible. Originally the Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek. Some of the earlist writing could be as old as 4,000 years (Book of Job). Our English translation did not appear until 1611. I am a Christian. I believe, by faith, that the Bible is God's Word. I am convinced of this so completely, so determinedly, and so splendidly, that there is nothing that can change my mind. Such is my faith and I am not ashamed to admit it.
As I take what I learn from His Word and apply it to my life. My faith increases. At first, I was a baby learning to walk, holding steadfast with one hand to the couch while extending the other toward him. Stretching out and grasping for his hand. Hoping, but not yet convinced, that he would catch me before I fell.
Then I was that 5 year old learning to ride my bike. Wobbly and shaky yelling "Ok Dad! let go! I got it! Only to discover that I didn't have it. Gently, He picks me up and dusts me off and says " Are you ready to try again?" In the excitement, I don't even notice my skent knees and scratched elbows.
In a flash, we're off again. Him running alongside, holding me up. As we pick up speed the world rushes by me faster and faster. Suddenly, he shifts positions and I can hear Him running behind me, holding on to the back of my seat. Suddenly in one exhilarating moment he shouts "I'm letting go now! You can do it! Keep going!" I can hear the excitement in his voice! As the wind rushes past my face, a rush burns through my body. "I'm doing it!" I shout, "I'm actually doing it!" With each rotation of the pedals my confidence deepens like a rising tide.
Everyday and in every situation God has proven himself to me through His Word. As life happens, trails and hardship find their way to my door step. I have gotten hurt, and things do not always turn out the way I prayed. Yet each time, My faith is confirmed. I come away stronger, wiser, and more convinced that the Bible is true. That my God exists. More then exists, He loves me and is there for me. That he is personal, intimate, and tangible. Like Moses battling the Amalekites I raise my arms toward heaven in prayer and praise to my God. For he is my banner, my covering, my protection, and most certainly, my victory.
• Who is God? He is Jehovah-Nissi: “God my Banner.”
This is the Hebrew name that was made known when Moses lifted up the rod of victory, in prayer, for an entire day as a battle with the Amalekites was fought (Exodus 17:15). The Hebrew word “Nissi” means my banner, or my covering, my protection and, also, my victory.
Your Brother in Christ
ABR