They shall howl, saying, how is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him. For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
Jeremiah 48:39-40
For centuries, the Romans ruled an empire stretching from Britain to the Caspian Sea. Gradually, they became overconfident. Discipline had slackened, and their resolve had been weakened by corruption.
Then in August 378 AD, Rome encountered an army of Visigoths at Adrianople (in modern Turkey). They expected an easy victory. But as military historian Bevin Alexander observed, the Romans did not realize that they were facing a “new type of warrior” with new weapons and new strategies. These Goths fought a different kind of war for which the Romans were not prepared. Going into battle, the Romans felt invincible. But the Goths surprised them and crushed the Roman army.
The Bible described a similar situation when Moab became confident in themselves, trusting their abilities and strongholds. They were not humble, vigilant, or prepared to face their enemies, but had “become arrogant toward the Lord.” As a result, even their mighty men could not stand against the attacks.
Are you ready for challenges? Ask God to search your heart and mind to be sure you are not overconfident. Remember, you are in a spiritual war. Take seriously the battles going on all around you. Do not assume that you are immune from attack. Humble yourself and put on the whole armor of God. Pray and trust Him. Go into battle prepared, ready for victory.
Ephesians 6:11-13, 18 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;