“The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” — Deuteronomy 28:13 (NIV)
Being at the top is a desire few would deny. When parents take their child to school, they hope and pray that the child will excel and not lag behind. A child who consistently finishes at the bottom of the class naturally causes concern because every parent longs to see their child succeed.
As children of God, we know from His Word that He desires us to rise to the top. He told the Israelites, “He has declared that He will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations He has made…” (Deuteronomy 26:18–19). God took Joseph from a prison cell and elevated him above all the officials of Egypt when Pharaoh declared, “You shall be in charge of my palace… I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:39–41). He lifted David from obscurity and made him king, saying, “I took you from the pasture… I have made your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth” (2 Samuel 7:8–9).
Yet while it is God’s desire to lift His children, Satan’s mission is to frustrate God’s purpose for their lives. He seeks to steal opportunities, sow discouragement through negative voices, and weaken our faith. He also attacks the blessings God has given us, just as he sought to do with Job. Satan challenged God, saying, “But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:11). Jesus Himself warned us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10).
As a child of God, you must stand firm and contend for the destiny God has prepared for you. When God promised Israel that they would be the head and not the tail, He also called them to walk in obedience. “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all His commands and decrees… all these curses will come on you…” (Deuteronomy 28:15). God’s blessings are experienced as we walk in faith, obedience, and righteousness. Honouring God and living a life that pleases Him is the pathway to His favour.
Perhaps your life has lately been on a low ebb, and you feel overlooked, defeated, or stuck. Remember that your present circumstances do not define God’s purpose for your life. His desire is that you should be the head and not the tail because you belong to the King of Kings. Refuse to accept the labels of failure that the world may place upon you. Believe and confess what God says about you. Walk in obedience, trust His timing, and expect Him to lift you in ways only He can. You are the head and not the tail!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with a purpose and for calling me to be the head and not the tail. Today I embrace that promise by faith. I refuse every attempt of the enemy to steal, delay, or destroy the destiny You have prepared for me. Open doors of opportunity for me to excel, grant me the wisdom to walk in obedience, and strengthen me to overcome every obstacle that stands in my way. This I pray in Jesus’ name!
