“And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.” (Genesis 35:5)

When a saint of God walks in the flesh, he brings shame to himself from the outside enemy, as did the Children of Israel in the Wilderness when they had Aaron fabricate an idol (the golden calf), and they danced around the idol naked:

“And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)” (Exodus 32:25)

However, it is just the opposite when a saint walks in the Power of the Spirit of God; having been Revived by the Holy Spirit. The revived saint walks in the Victory of Christ, and not in defeat and shame. He walks in Confidence, the Confidence of Christ.

Genesis 35:5 speaks loud and clear of the result of revival in a saint. This overcoming walk of a revived believer is evidenced in the following:

First, the Protection is from the Enemy without:

“…the terror of God was upon the cities” (verse 5) – so much so, that the enemy “did not pursue” Jacob and his family as they journeyed through the land.

When a saint lives in the Spirit, walks in the Spirit, and is led of the Spirit; it means he is filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This means he is surrendered to, and submitted to, the Holy Spirit – to be taught, guided, led, and empowered to perform the Commandments of God.

It also means that there is no fear of the enemy; knowing that he possesses all power, because Christ lives in him (Philippians 4:13; Galatians 2:20); because he abides in Christ. Then he is in the Victory of Faith:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

It means the enemy sees the Power and Protection of God upon the saint; and fear is then in the enemy. The enemy knows he is no match for Almighty God: “…the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19b).

Sometimes it seems the enemy of God knows more about God’s Power than do God’s own Children. The adversary has never won one battle against God. God placed the dagger into Satan’s heart on the Cross in the Atonement:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” (Hebrews 2:14)

And in Christ’s Resurrection, proof was given that Christ has all power in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:4).

Because of Christ’s Resurrection, we have a sure witness of our own spiritual resurrection in Christ in Regeneration. (See Romans 6:4-22; 8:2, 13-16; etc.) We have a sure witness that it is true; for the Regenerated Saint has been raised from the deadness of sin, to walk in the newness of life. Paul said nothing can separate a saint of God from the love of God (Romans 8:29-39).

Therefore, in Christ’s Victory, we have Victory; and the enemy is in fear of the Power of God and their own judgment:

“And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29)

Those demons knew judgment was coming.

When a saint walks in in the Power of Christ, there is a terror on their enemies in the world – for they know who God is; and they know He has all power; and that they, even their daddy, the devil, has never won a victory over God. (Hallelujah!)

Therefore, Saint of God, take courage. You are walking in Christ, Who is victorious over death, hell, and the grave; for He is God – the Creator, Controller, and Consummator of all things. He is the Authority over all things. All people live, move, and have their being in God (Acts 17:28).

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

Your Position in Christ is Righteousness; and your Practice must be Holiness and Righteousness, as you walk in His Power and Purpose. Amen and Amen.

Second, the Protection is from the Enemy within:

(See Genesis 35:16-29.) In Genesis 35, Jacob met and did battle with immorality in his own house; the death of Rachel, his love; and the death of his father, Isaac.

It is a great test to know that your son by one wife lay with another wife. This is what Reuben did with Jacob’s concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). When there is trouble of this kind within the family, it is the hardest of tests for a saint.

However, Jacob had been to Bethel, and he walked in the Steps of Revival. He was prepared to do great battle. Whatever the test may be, you must be prepared in Christ. Reuben’s sin was costly (see Genesis 49:3-4). God will fight our battles.

Jacob faced the death of Rachel, his love; and the death of his father, Isaac. Death of a loved one is very, very hard. But remember, Jacob had been prepared at Bethel, where he had put away the strange gods and buried them forever. And he walked in the Power of God before his enemies; in confidence and with a boldness that could only come from Christ living in him.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Even in death, we have the Victory in Christ.

Revival is a must for the stumbling saint. You must return to Bethel, repent, and respond in faith; and follow Christ with body, soul, and spirit.

Then, and then only, will you experience daily Victory in Christ over all enemies without and within. You will walk in the Confidence that can only come from True Revival.