There is no doubt that the physical realm is subservient to the spiritual realm.Many of the things that happen to us physically are spiritual realities first.
I want to establish this principle using this example:
“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands”-Exo 17:8-9
One major thing I love about the verses above is the fact that both the spiritual and the physical perspectives were taken into account by Moses.He told Joshua to prepare for the battle by choosing some men that would prosecute the battle while he in turn would go to the hills to intercede for them.
It is not enough to emphasize on faith but leave out works or harp on works without faith.Both are needed to work hand in hand.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?-James 2:14
However,something dramatic happened on the day of battle between Israel and the Amalekites:The battle was being remotely controlled from the top of the hill!
“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning”-Exodus 17:10-11
The action of Moses on the top of the hills was a determinant of what was taking place on the ground floor:When he lowered his hands,the Amalekites gained upper hands.When he held up his hands,the Israelites gained upper hands.
The Israelites,irrespective of their dexterity,were overpowered by the Amalekites whenever Moses lowered his hands.This is how you know that even though you are prepared physically for an event,the victory is not dependent on your strength.
“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD”-Prov 21:31
Hur and Aaron quickly came to a conclusion that there was a strong influence on what was happening on the hills and the victory of the Israelites:
“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword”-Exodus 17:12-13
How many battles have we lost because we are not sensitive enough to know that our prayer altar has significant impact on what happens on the outside? How many times have we allowed the devil to take the upper hands because we become tired in the place of prayers?
Repair your altar of prayer.Wake up from your slumber and settle the outcomes of events on your knees:
That person can give his/her life to Christ if you can intercede more…
That contract can be yours if you can spend more time to pray than looking for ‘connections’…
You can secure the job if you are willing to tarry in God’s presence…
Your health can be restored back to you if you can wait on God…
The results are first received in the spiritual realm before they happen physically.
Shalom.