In our text today, Moses rehearsed the victory of the Israelites over Og, the king of Bashan, and his well-trained army before the whole congregation of the children of Israel. In the previous chapter, he had earlier narrated their victory over Sihon, the king of Hesbon, and his host (Deuteronomy 2:32,33). These milestones of victory, as related by Moses were meant to encourage the children of Israel to forge ahead in their mission to possess the land. 

There is always a period of painful preparation between a promise and the possession. The period of pain is the period of adjustment and conformity to the image and will of God. If the lessons intended by God are not quickly learnt during this period, then the possession of the promise is delayed. This explains why an 11-day journey eventually became a journey of 40 years for the children of Israel. God wants His children to learn vital lessons when they go through certain unpleasant situations. This is one of the reasons for the several battles the children of Israel fought on their way to the Promised Land. Another reason is because God wanted to train them in the art of war so that they will be able to drive out the inhabitants of the land when they get to the Promised Land.

The period of pain is meant to toughen believers and prepare them for a greater purpose. When faced with any challenge as a believer, always remember the faithfulness of God in the past and encourage yourself in the Lord. The children of Israel fought many battles but the Lord gave them victory, and on the long run, they possessed the Promised Land. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Psalm 34:19; Romans 8:37).