Life Courageous: Five Truths To Remember During Challenging Seasons Of LifeSample

When I hear the word battle, my mind instinctively pictures a warrior with steadfast posture ready for engagement. Scripture provides us with an instructive illustration of how we prepare for the battles of our life when they come knocking at our door. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, outlines the defensive protections we have against the enemy: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel peace, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation. Our one offensive protection, the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, allows us to engage in battle. Yet, there are times in life when we must take a step back and rest in the assurance that we also have a God who fights for us. 

In Exodus, as they stand on the edge of the Red Sea, Moses tells the children of Israel, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14) The Israelites found themselves in a seemingly impossible situation, caught between the sea and a fast-approaching Egyptian army. Incapable of escaping on their own, they were left with no other option but to wait for the Lord to move on their behalf. When we look at the situation at hand, it’s easy to assume the impending conflict lies between Pharaoh’s army and the children of Israel. However, scriptures tell us there was another battle going on between God and the Egyptians (Exodus 14:4). 

We see this tension between the responsibility of putting on our armor and wielding our sword of the Spirit with resting in the assurance that God does fight for us. The tension rests in the simple truth that we are called, as believers of Christ, to endure the battles and trust in the Deliverer. We prepare, but our confidence resides in the Savior. So, when you find yourself focused so intently on preparation for the battle ahead that you lose sight of where your true victory resides, take pause and rest in the Lord. Silence your mind and rest in the assurance that you never fight alone.