“…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,
declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17)
Have you ever felt like you were being attacked from every side? Surrounded? If not by a person, then by circumstances? Have you ever felt alone, like no one is on your side? Or maybe you are just so tired and emotionally drained that your own mind and body are in distress? The Bible tells us that we are never alone, even when it feels that way. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Elisha in 2 Kings 6:13-17 when Israel was under continual attack by the King of Aram:
“’Go, find out where he is,’ the king (of Aram) ordered, ‘so I can send men and capture him.’ The report came back: ‘He is in Dothan.’ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet (Elisha) answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Those who are with us are more than those who are with them! Yes!! Even though we cannot see them, we need to know they are there—the vast multitudes of angel armies are arrayed in battle against the enemy. I take immense comfort in this.
There are many other stories in the Bible of God’s miraculous intervention to save his people during their battles against their enemies. Many times, God gave the people the weapons and strength they needed to overpower the enemy. Many other times, it was only by God’s divine intervention that victory was secured. I have included just a few below:
- When the children of Israel were escaping from Israel, God miraculously intervened to part the Red Sea, and to throw their pursuers into confusion and jam their chariot wheels.
- When the children of Israel were beginning their conquest of the Promised Land, God led Joshua to win the Battle of Jericho.
- Again, when Joshua was going up against the five kings of the Amorites, “After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.” (Joshua 10:9-11)
- When the Israelite army was cowering in fear of the Philistines, God helped David, a shepherd boy, to kill Goliath with a rock to defeat the powerful Philistines.
- Another time when God helped the children of Israel to defeat the Philistines: “While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.” (1 Samuel 7:10)
- God spoke to King Jehosophat of Judah: “Your Majesty and everyone from Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord says that you don’t need to be afraid or let this powerful army discourage you. God will fight on your side! So, here is what you must do. Tomorrow the enemy armies will march through the desert around the town of Jeruel. March down and meet them at the town of Ziz as they come up the valley. You will not even have to fight. Just take your positions and watch the Lord rescue you from your enemy. Do not be afraid. Just do as you are told. And as you march out tomorrow, the Lord will be there with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)
In the New Testament, angels broke Peter’s chains and opened the gates of the jail so that he could walk out. You and I need to remember that with God all things are possible. His protection for his people did not end with the New Testament. He will still protect us. He will continue to empower us. He will always fight for us. We just need to realize that he can, and he will. Since we know that is true, then, as the song says, Whom Shall I Fear?
For as long as we are citizens on earth, we will have conflict, sickness, wars, disasters, and all kinds of troubles. That comes with being survivors of the Fall. In fact, Jesus himself told us that “in this world you will have trouble.” But that statement is in the context of what Jesus himself promised us: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even when we cannot see Him, He is there, fighting against the enemy. Fighting for us. In Him, we will have victory. You will not even have to fight. Just take your positions and watch the Lord rescue you from your enemy.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7)
If you have read to this point, I would love for you to share a Bible verse that gives you comfort in times of trials and tribulations.
In Christ,
Judy
judycline 