Discover His heart: He is with us through every battle we face
My husband and I were thrilled with the opportunity some years ago to take a few days off after a busy summer. We rented a cabin in the Tennessee Mountains and enjoyed lazy days and beautiful scenery. One late afternoon we were grilling out on the deck and spotted an uninvited guest. A black bear smelled our delicious barbecue ribs and decided to join us.
Having read several books and seen movies about bears and their hunt for prey, I knew the most important thing was not to be afraid because the bear would smell my fear and could attack. Well, needless to say, he smelled a lot more than ribs. We ran in the cabin, slammed the glass door shut and locked it as if the bear would choose to try to open the door. Fear can cause irrational behavior. The bear walked around the deck for what seemed like an eternity, sniffed the ribs and peered in at this shaking woman and then sauntered down the steps and out of the yard. I’m assuming his delicate palate was looking more for sushi than my ribs, and I just wasn’t worth the effort. Thank God!
@ Deuteronomy 20
“When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you!” (1) Whether we’re facing a battle right now or in the future, we can take the words of Moses with us as a source of encouragement. As the Israelites looked at the strength of their adversary in their new land, it may have caused their knees to shake, but he encouraged them, “do not be afraid.” David, the mighty warrior, often found himself facing the giants of the land but encouraged himself, “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) In the heat of the battle, we need to remember the Lord is our General and recall His faithful guidance in the past.
Moses then urged the officers of the army to release from battle all those who were distracted by the cares of this life. (5-7) Focus is a powerful tool in our battle against the enemy as we follow our leader to victory, but distractions will change our focus and resolve. Another concern of Moses was that of fear. “Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.” (8) Fortunately, my fear did not frighten my husband in our close encounter with a bear, perhaps because he was too busy videoing our dinner guest and laughing at me. In a truly perilous situation, fear is contagious. It can cause even the bravest of souls to lose heart, and it’s not helpful on the battlefront.
The advice Moses gave that day as the Israelites sat poised for victory in the Promised Land was advice that we should take to heart when we face any battle. Whether it is in the area of our health, our relationships, our finances or anything, we should keep our focus on the Lord and remember His faithfulness. We never should be afraid – fear has never been a good advisor. “Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory!” (3-4) Thank you, Moses. I needed that today!
Moving Forward: By His grace, I am focused, unafraid and ready to see what the Lord will do on my behalf today.
Tomorrow @ Nehemiah 1-4
Phyllis Benigas 