May 11

Wait for the Finals

Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels. — Gen 49:19 BSB

Some of us have been like the tribe of Gad. Our enemies were overwhelming for a time; they came against us like a swarm. Yes, they even defeated us temporarily, and they celebrated their short-lived victory. But in this, they only proved the first part of the family blessing, for God’s people, like Gad, often face troops that seem to overpower them. Being defeated is painful, and we might have despaired if not for the second part of the promise: "He will overcome at last." As the saying goes, "All’s well that ends well." The outcome of a battle isn’t determined by initial victories or defeats but by what happens in the end. The Lord will grant truth and righteousness victory "at last." As John Bunyan says, "the last" means forever, for nothing follows the last.

What we need is patient perseverance in doing good, a steady trust in our glorious Captain. Jesus, our Lord, teaches us the holy art of setting our face like a flint to finish our work or endure suffering until we can say, "It is finished." Hallelujah! Victory! Victory! We believe the promise: "He will overcome at last."