The Winner's Advantage
Today’s Verse:
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. ~Deuteronomy 20:1
Opposing teams in a team competition are focused on having a winning edge over their opponent. Each team tries to be sure they are well stacked offensively and defensively. When a key player is injured or unable to play, that team feels a sense of insecurity about their ability to win. When it comes down to the bottom line, the winning advantage depends on who is playing for the team that will win. I am thankful that Deuteronomy 20:1 reminds us that we have the winning advantage in all our spiritual conflicts. That advantage is found in the presence of the Lord. Having God on our side places us in a no lose situation!
We see the intimidating challenge.
Israel was outnumbered in most situations when they went to battle. It is awkwardly intimidating to have less artillery, soldiers, and ability than the enemy. God told Israel that when they went to battle against their enemies, they would see horses, chariots and people more than them. They would see they were outnumbered and outmanned. Israel would be the underdog. Israel would humanly appear to be no match against their enemies. Israel would always face intimidating challenges. This is how it is spiritually for us. There is always a Red Sea in front of us and a large army behind us. There is always a Goliath who issues us a challenge. There is always the jeering mob who seeks to overthrow us. We will find ourselves always with an intimidating challenge.
We see the inspiring charge.
God tells us when we are facing challenges bigger than us, don’t be afraid. Don’t allow your fear factor to kick in. Don’t be easily intimidated. Instead, be not afraid. God encourages us to prepare to meet the challenge head on. God encourages us to not be afraid of the enemy regardless of its size and masteries. God is charging us to stand still and resist. God is challenging us to hold steady until our next command. Don’t let fear steal your faith in God! Don’t let fear make you back off! Don’t let fear make you want to quit. Be fearless and look the enemy right in the eye!
We see the invincible chaperone.
How can we be not afraid of an enemy that is intimidating us? God is with us! God is our invincible chaperone! He is with us in battle. He is with us when we are in the valleys. He is with us no questions asked. He is dependable in his presence. He is dynamic in his presence. He is undefeated in his presence. The Lord our God is with us in the valley, in the water, in the fire, and in the storm. Our way might seem weary and dreary, but our Lord is always with us. He is a chaperone who does not fail. He is a chaperone who does not leave us. He fights our battles and gives us the victories.
Have you been cowering in fear due to an opposition that is against you? If there is someone who is intimidating you in your walk with God, today is the day in which God’s presence can be very real for you. You are not alone. Have faith in the promise of God’s presence during our most difficult times.
Have a victorious God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 15-17