God is Fighting For You
Do you trust in God’s protection?
Verse of the Day
‘The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”’
Today’s Devotional
The people of Israel fled Egypt where they had been slaves for 400 years. They left everything they knew and all that was familiar. Every one of the Israelites would have been born in Egypt, into a life of slavery. The man that was leading them knew nothing about being a slave, because he had been raised in the palace and then fled the country for many years because he had committed murder.
Does this sound like a scenario you would be comfortable with? It doesn’t sound great to me.
God told Moses where to have the Israelites set up camp outside of Egypt specifically because it would make Pharaoh think they were scared and confused, causing him to chase after them. Which he did. And when the Israelites saw the entire Egyptian army heading their way, they got scared. ‘Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”’ (Exodus 14:13-14)
Be still. Stay calm. These were the Lord’s instructions.
There’s another story in 2 Kings 6 where Elisha is about to be captured and killed. The king of Aram was mad because every time he made a decision about where to go or what to do in his war against Israel, Elisha supernaturally knew and told the king of Israel how to avoid the Arameans. The king of Aram thought he had a spy in his midst. Then he was told about the prophet Elisha. So the logical choice is to find, capture, and kill the guy who is spoiling the battle plan. He discovers that Elisha is in a town called Dothan, so he sends a strong army at night to surround the town. Elisha’s servant gets up the next morning and sees the army and their impending destruction. Elisha, however, was not worried at all. Because he understood that God and His plan would not be thwarted. ‘Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.’ (2 Kings 6:17)
It’s easy to read stories like these and think that God’s supernatural protection was only promised to Moses and maybe some of the prophets. And even then, it was probably only for specific situations.
God promises us that He will fight for us. If you don’t believe me, then maybe you will believe the Bible.
‘But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord ’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!’ (2 Chronicles 20:17)
‘I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. Arise, O Lord ! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked!’ (Psalms 3:5-7)
‘You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.’ (Psalms 18:39)
‘He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.’ (Psalms 55:18)
‘You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.’ (Psalms 139:5)
‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.’ (Romans 8:28)
‘What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?’ (Romans 8:31)
‘For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.’ (Philippians 4:13)
We may not have the privilege of seeing God’s supernatural protection the way God allowed Elisha’s servant to see. We may not always agree with God’s way of protecting us, like leading us to a dead end with enemies in pursuit. We are not likely being pursued by a physical army, but are we in battle today with anything about our human nature? Do you need God’s help in battling impatience? What if God is fighting for us as we are trying to learn how to imitate God’s patience?
When we are following the steps God has laid out before us, He protects us in whatever way He decides is best. While we are in a spiritual battle, we must be still and calm – knowing that God is in control. At times, there are steps He asks us to take in the battle. Other times, He simply wants us to focus on Him. And whether we can see it or not, God is fighting for each of us, no matter what kind of battle we are facing.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
How do you need God’s protection today?
In what areas do you want to ask God to fight for you?
How can you honor the Lord’s guidance to be calm and still?
How has God given you spiritual eyes in the past?
How can you thank God for protecting you in ways you will never see?
How have you see God fight for you as you are trying to become more like Him?