The Good News About Doing Battle
God fights our battles for us. But we play a role in securing victory, too. Our job is to address whatever practical issues we must address.
Life being what it is, the list of battles we face seems endless. Here are a few examples:
To which of these can you relate? I can check off several: financial strain, relationship issues, health concerns, disappointment over unfulfilled expectations…. Oh dear. My list is longer than I’d thought!
Doing battle takes a lot of energy
Yesterday I wrestled inwardly over one of those things on the list, and I felt exhausted by day’s end. I’m thankful for a good night’s sleep and that the Lord, in His goodness, reminded me of an important truth this morning: He fights our battles for us.
Here are a few Scriptural reminders from the book of Joshua.
“And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies.” (Joshua 21:44)
“I brought terrible plagues on Egypt; and afterward I brought you out as a free people. But when your ancestors arrived at the Red Sea, the Egyptians chased after you with chariots and charioteers. When your ancestors cried out to the LORD, I put darkness between you and the Egyptians. I brought the sea crashing down on the Egyptians, drowning them. With your very own eyes you saw what I did.” (Joshua 24:5-7)
“I brought you into the land of the Amorites on the east side of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I destroyed them before you. I gave you victory over them, and you took possession of their land.” (Joshua 24:8)
“Then Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, started a war against Israel. He summoned Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to him. Instead, I made Balaam bless you, and so I rescued you from Bala” (Joshua 24:9) (Emphasis mine).
Read that chapter for yourself and you’ll see several other examples of how God fought the battle on His people’s behalf. It’s amazing, really, to see it described so clearly.
Yes, God fights our battles for us. But we play a role in securing victory, too. Our job is to address whatever practical issues we must address.
And most importantly, we’re to:
“Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul” (Joshua 22:5).
When we’re walking in right relationship with God, He will move heaven and earth to strengthen us, give us wisdom and clarity, grant us courage, and provide for us.
We face battles, but we’re not fighting them alone. God is on our side, and that makes us more than conquerors. Amen?
Know you are loved,
Grace
Order your copy of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation and discover practical steps for facing and overcoming some of the top fears women face today.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copy here.
Order your copy of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation and discover practical steps for facing and overcoming some of the top fears women face today.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copy here.
Indeed, the victory is ours, and the battle is the Lord’s. We are learning so much about trusting him.
There’s always the balance between trusting Him and then knowing when and how to do our part, too. Sometimes we’re to be still. Other times we’re to march into battle as the Israelites did when God brought down the walls of Jericho. My challenge is knowing when to do what. How about you?