HIS PRESENCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Tuesday 3rd June 2025
“But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,’” (Genesis 26:28 NKJV)
The presence of God made a huge difference in the lives of the saints of old. Abimelech and Phicol said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.” (Genesis 21:22)
Abimelech and his men also spoke similarly to Isaac; “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you…” They could not ignore him. They came to court his favour because God was with him.
In the book of Joshua 1:5, God assured Joshua that He was going to be with him like he was with Moses. Of course, Joshua conquer ed the land! He was able to overcome his enemies, and his fame was noised abroad.
The key to a life of victory is knowing and understanding the reality of God being with you. The presence of God makes all the difference. Even people who do not want to hear about you will be forced to hear about you. When you understand this, it will positively affect your disposition to life, such that you will never be shortchanged, or allow the adversary take what belongs to you.
We live in a “dog-eat-dog” world, where the big dog wants to eat the small ones. People want to break your hands and take from you what belongs to you. Therefore, you must know understand what your “competitive edge” is and resolute about it, else you risk not being able to stand your ground against whatever opposition will come your way, because they will surely come. Beloved, if God be for you, who can be against you? The strategy of the devil is to make you doubt your identity and then turn around to destroy you.
If you do not know who is with you, you will be intimidated. How can you run with chariots and horses or take your place if you do not understand that you have a competitive edge against your adversary? Be conscious of His presence. That is what makes the difference.
Further reading: Genesis 26:16-31; Joshua 6:20-27
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – 2 Chronicles 19-20, Evening – John 13:21-38