In a Battle? God WIll Give You Victory!

On a recent trip we decided to take a tour a civil war battlefield.  We entered through the arched monument with excitement. High atop the Mississippi River bluffs, this park meanders through rugged gullies and deep ravines. There are monuments to all soldiers who fought there, as well as generals and dignitaries. There are also monuments for each state that battled there.  Some states’ monuments are huge, with elaborate details. Others are simple but each one carries a message - some of hope, others of sorrow.

At this battle, soldiers of one side were cut off from supplies and food. The siege lasted more than a month, but surrender was imminent. Without supplies and nourishment, no group of soldiers can last forever.  They had been promised help, but word eventually came that they were also sick and starving and had lost their strength to fight as well.

By the time we were halfway through the tour of the park, I was done with it. The excitement of the entrance gave way to the horrors of war. Seeing the 30 pound cannons facing off against one another and the cemetery with its row upon row of white stones told the truth of war.  Seeing on one state’s monument that brother fought against brother made me sick to my stomach.  We found an exit and headed on home. 

Don’t you know those soldiers, many of them so very young, with rosy cheeks and gleaming smiles, were quite excited upon their entry into service?  They were willing to fight for their truth. They were there to defend their side and to win the war. But by the time they’d seen the casualties and felt the gnawing hunger in their stomach and seen the stench of it all, I know they were like me- ready to go home.  Some of them never made it back, others ran away and a few lived to tell the story of the ravages of combat.

We’re like that aren’t we? We ask Jesus into our heart and we’re gung ho for the life! We are ready to tackle anything, give up all and fight the good fight of faith. Admittedly it’s pretty easy at first, loving Jesus and learning about Him. But believers are bound to get into the fray – eventually the enemy of our souls will call us to battle. While the onslaught can last a while, we get weary. Without the supplies and nourishment needed for a believer, some will succumb to the fight.  Others will want to run away.

Oh beloved, run to the Commander and General of the Lord’s Army! He knows you’re in a battle. He’s seen the troubles in your heart, the things that have come against you. He’s also seen your hands folded in prayer. He knows you are tempted to give up and give in. He knows you may feel cut off from others and in this fight alone, but we are never alone when God is on our side! His Word is your battle guide! The Scriptures are your nourishment and supply for everything and anything that comes against you!  No battle lasts forever.  You may be tired of the back-biting, the discouraging ambushes, the unloving assaults, but God has promised that He will fight for you and you will be Victorious.  Just as there must always be a winner in earth’s wars, there is always a winner in the heavenly realm. And, beloved, God says you win!  Don’t give up today, don’t give in. Call on Jesus, call on His Word and remember that God loves you and He’s for you and that’s a win-win situation every time!

Deuteronomy 20:4  For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory!

Exodus 14:14 The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.

2 Samuel 22:40 You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued my enemies under my feet.

1 Chronicles 5:20 They cried out to God during the battle, and He answered their prayer because they trusted in Him...

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I AM with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.