“And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Deuteronomy 20:2-4 (ESV)
This passage reminds me of the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz, trembling in his fur and fussing with his tail as he struggles with self-doubt and insecurities. If we are honest with ourselves, we aren’t much different. Granted, we might not display our fears outwardly like the cowardly lion, yet deep inside we are falling apart.
In today’s passage, we see that God provided instructions to the Israelites concerning warfare. Note, He doesn’t get into tactical strategy. Instead, He provides them with promises to be spoken over the warriors: “Don’t second-guess yourself. Don’t get knotted up inside. Don’t waver or let yourself be intimidated because I am right there with you, I am on your side, and I have already declared victory over your foe.”
Let me ask you a question: What self-talk do you engage in when you are struggling? Do you speak victory over your life or doubt? Do you invite Jesus to take over your battles or do you try to go it alone? Is He your plan A or your plan B?
God invites you to take courage and step into your struggles with your head held high – because He is on your side. He never promised we won’t face battles, but He did promise He will see us through and bring us victorious to the other side. When all we see is the battle, He sees the victory.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I never have to face life’s struggles alone. Remind me again and again that You are for me and Your plans are for good. Grant me the courage to face my foes, firm in the knowledge that You go before me and that You have already declared the victory. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Thought: Courage isn’t about putting on a brave face. Courage is the daily decision to replace fear with faith.