The Fine Print: Follow the Instructions
- Feb 10
- 5 min read
You Have the Inside Scoop.
"Lord open the ears of our heart to hear you speak. Amen"
Hey friend, welcome back! So, how did last week go with following the orders from our Commander in Chief? Be honest—did you find yourself stepping into obedience, or was it more of a struggle?
If you’re feeling like you didn’t do as well as you hoped, let me share something with you: the fact that you’re still here means you’ve been given another chance. That’s grace, friend. God’s mercy allows us to wake up and try again, but let’s be clear—grace isn’t a free pass to ignore His commands. It’s an opportunity to learn from yesterday, apply His Word today, and do better tomorrow.
We’re on a mission, and missions don’t succeed without a clear strategy. That’s what we’re diving into today: knowing the Commander’s strategy. Let’s unpack how we can align ourselves with His plan and stay on course.
God, the Master Strategist
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get much attention: the strategic nature of our God.
When you think about God, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of Him as a provider, a healer, or a protector—but do you ever think of Him as a strategist? Friend, God isn’t random. He doesn’t improvise His way through battles or leave us to figure things out on our own. He’s intentional, calculated, and wise beyond what we can comprehend.
He is Jehovah Nissi, which means “The Lord is My Banner” (Exodus 17:15). In ancient times, a banner was more than a flag—it was a rallying point in battle. It represented victory and direction, letting soldiers know where to regroup and how to move forward. This name reveals God’s role as the One who goes before us and leads us to victory.
Today, we’re going to uncover how strategic God is, how His battle plans are flawless, and how we win when we follow His lead. Let me show you what it means to trust His strategy with one powerful example that often goes unnoticed: the battle against the Amalekites. (Zee, how in the world do you pronounce that? I feel you. It’s "uh-mal-uh-kites" — we are in this together. Keep practicing!)
The Strategy of Victory – Moses, Joshua, and the Amalekites
"So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill." – Exodus 17:10
Let’s set the scene: The Israelites were in battle with the Amalekites—a fierce enemy standing in the way of their journey to the Promised Land. God could have wiped out the enemy with a single word, but instead, He orchestrated a strategy that would demonstrate both His power and His purpose.
God didn’t send a flood or fire. He didn’t tell Moses to march around walls. Instead, He gave a strategy that combined physical effort and spiritual reliance. While Joshua led the battle on the ground, Moses stood on the hill, lifting his hands in prayer. As long as Moses’ hands were raised, the Israelites were winning. But when his hands fell, the enemy gained ground.
Why did God use this strategy? Because He wanted them to see that victory comes when both obedience and reliance on God are at work. The battle wasn’t just about swords—it was about faith and following the plan.
There's levels to the plan
"The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is His name." – Exodus 15:3
Friend, one thing you need to know about God is this: He’s always working on multiple levels. When we see just one step, He’s already multiple steps ahead. When Moses was standing on the hill, he wasn’t just “praying”—he was participating in a layered strategy that involved spiritual intercession, physical action, and leadership delegation.
Here’s what this tells us about the character of our Leader:
He’s not impulsive. God doesn’t jump into battles without a plan. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).
He’s thorough. Every instruction God gives is intentional. If He tells you to wait, move, or trust, it’s because that step fits into the bigger picture.
He’s personal. God’s strategies are tailor-made for His people. What worked for Joshua wasn’t the same strategy He gave Gideon, David, or the disciples.
When we understand that God’s strategies are layered and precise, we stop questioning His timing and start trusting His process. We stop looking at what worked for Jane Doe and start to have confidence in our tailor-made instructions.
My banner won’t look like yours, but it carries the same promise of victory.
Victory Comes Through Obedience and Faith
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you." – 2 Chronicles 20:17
God’s battle plans often require faith before action. The Israelites couldn’t rely solely on swords—they had to trust that lifting Moses’ hands in prayer was as important as swinging a weapon. That’s the nature of God’s strategy: it combines the spiritual and the practical.
Too often, we miss out on victory because we lean too heavily on one side:
We either try to handle everything on our own (without prayer),
or we pray but refuse to act.
Friend, God’s strategy requires both. When we pray but also step out in obedience, we create the perfect conditions for God’s power to move.
Real-Life Application:
What battle are you facing right now? Are you swinging your sword without praying, or are you waiting for God to do it all while you stand still? This week, ask God to reveal what “raising your hands” looks like in your life—whether it’s committing to consistent prayer or taking a bold step of faith.
Trust the Banner of Victory (Jehovah Nissi)
"Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner." – Exodus 17:15
After the battle was won, Moses didn’t take the credit. He built an altar and declared that Jehovah Nissi—the Lord, their Banner—was the reason for their victory.
A banner wasn’t just a symbol of victory; it was a declaration that the battle was fought under divine authority. When we trust Jehovah Nissi, we’re acknowledging that every victory comes from Him, not from our own strength.
But here’s what’s powerful about this name: It’s a reminder that God is always leading. Even when you feel lost or overwhelmed, His banner is waving over your life, directing you toward the next step.
Real-Life Application:
This week, every time you feel overwhelmed by a battle, pause and declare, “Jehovah Nissi, You are my Banner.” Let it remind you that God is leading the way, and you don’t have to fight alone.
Closing Thoughts
Friend, God’s strategies are never random. They’re purposeful, layered, and designed to lead you to victory. The same God who gave Moses the strategy to defeat the Amalekites has a plan for your life. But victory requires obedience, faith, and the willingness to trust His leadership.
If you’ve been struggling to see the bigger picture, take heart. God is already 10 steps ahead. This week, commit to seeking His strategy through prayer and action. When you follow His plan, victory isn’t just possible—it’s promised.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being Jehovah Nissi, my Banner of victory. I praise You for Your strategic wisdom and ask for the faith to trust Your plans, even when they don’t make sense to me. Help me to obey Your instructions and balance both prayer and action in my battles. Lead me step by step, and remind me that You’ve already secured the victory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next Week’s Preview:
Next week, we’re diving into how to trust God’s timing and execution of the strategy. It’s one thing to know the plan, but waiting for God’s timing to bring it to pass is where faith is truly tested. TTYL !!!
