Believe it or not, we’re only looking at one verse today.
“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” (v1)
There is great power and encouragement in this verse – for Israel in their context, and for us today as well. Some might say: “But, we’re not at war today.” I beg to differ. Every day on this earth is a battle in a far greater war.
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Rom 8:22-23) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12)
We are at war today – with our spiritual enemies, this broken and corrupt earth, and the most worrisome threat, our own sinful flesh. Once sin entered this world, the war began, yet there is great hope.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:35,37-39) “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Eph 6:10,13)
The Lord our God promises to guard and protect us, helping us to stand firm in the face of immense struggle. Nothing in this world can overcome us, no matter how large the threat, or how impossible the odds. We serve an all-powerful God, the same God who brought Israel out of Egypt, and we do not have to be afraid.
Jesus already destroyed the enemy’s power when He died on the cross, paying the penalty for all sin for all time. Jesus is coming back once more to completely eradicate all remaining evil from this world – let’s be ready for His return and pave the way for Him, by allowing the Spirit to work through us and continue His redeeming work. We are more than conquerors in this spiritual war, because God is with us, working through us, and He has already proclaimed His victory.
Father God, our Mighty and Glorious King, we humbly bow before You today. You have truly empowered us through Your Holy Spirit to continue building Jesus’ kingdom here on earth. Please lead us in accordance with You will, working in and through us to redeem any who will bow their knee to You. Lord please use us as You see fit, building the kingdom one living stone at a time, until Jesus returns in overwhelming glory. All honor, praise, and glory be to You alone, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the powerful and redeeming name of Jesus, we praise You and ask for Your help, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training