Why do we continue to struggle on our own? To think that we depend on ourselves alone. To think that we need to fight our own battles when we have a father whose abilities are limitless. We need to get to that point where no matter what challenge may come our way, we can see that God is with us, fighting for us and winning our battles. And so, we can wholeheartedly trust in God with every battle.  

The Bible gives many accounts of the battles fought by the people of God. Battles lost and won. Most of the lost battles were because the people of God disregarded God’s words and did what was right in their own eyes. God sent many prophets to tell His people to return to Him, but most did not heed these warnings, and so many battles were lost. However, there were battles won by God’s people because God fought for them. God took care of them. God reminds us in His word that the battle is His. In this blog post, I would like to look at the examples where God said that the battle is His.

Battles of the Bible: Jehoshaphat vs the Moabites & the Ammonites

Jehoshaphat was one of the kings of Judah (1 Kings 15:24), and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:32). The Moabites and the Ammonites came against Jehoshaphat in battle (2 Chronicles 20:1) and Jehoshaphat sought the Lord.  He prayed and asked that God execute judgment on these enemies (2 Chronicles 20:12).

God responded through his servant. He told Jehoshaphat not to fear because the battle is not his, but it is God’s battle (2 Chronicles 20:15). God told him that they would not need to fight in this battle. He said that they should stand firm, hold their position and see the salvation of the Lord on their behalf. God reminded Jehoshaphat again not to be afraid or dismayed. That they should go out against the Moabites and the Ammonites and the Lord will be with them. (2 Chronicles 20:16-17). Jehoshaphat bowed his head and worshipped God in response. This account highlights the trust that Jehoshaphat had in God.

The next morning, Jehoshaphat spoke to his people and told them to believe in the Lord their God, and they will be established. He told them to believe God’s word and that they would succeed (2 Chronicles 20:20). Jehoshaphat depended on God in this whole process. He sought God when in trouble and praised God when He got his answer. He even appointed people who would continuously praise God ahead of the army (2 Chronicles 20:21). God gave them victory, and they did not even have to fight. The battle was the Lord’s.

Battles of the Bible: David vs Goliath

David took on Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Goliath was large and an experienced champion, while David was young, small and he had little experience fighting (1 Samuel 17:4; 1 Samuel 17:42). Even when Goliath saw David and noticed his choice of weapon, which was a staff and his sling, he was astonished. Logically it made no sense that David could defeat this giant. But God was on David’s side. David told Goliath that he came to fight in the name of the Lord, the God of the armies of Israel. And he told Goliath that God would deliver him into his hands, and all will know there is a God in Israel because the battle is the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:47). David defeated Goliath because God was with him. The battle was the Lord’s.

Psalms tells us that our help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth. He will not let our foot be moved, He will not sleep, He is our keeper and He will keep us from evil. He keeps us in our going out and our coming in. (Psalm 121:1-8). This Psalm reassures us that God is able and dependable to keep us and to save us. Romans tells us that if God is for us, then no one can be against us (Romans 8:31). Furthermore, regardless of the outcome, we have hope in Christ after this life, and so we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37). Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

Proverbs tells us to trust the Lord with all our hearts, do not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5; Psalm 37:3). If we genuinely believe in the God who made the heavens and the earth and know that He made us, then we will trust Him. However, often times, we the creature wants to choose to depend on our abilities rather than on the creator who is limitless, who loves us and cares for us. We need to trust in the Lord of the heavens and earth, trust Him with everything. Trust Him with our lives, trust Him to fight our battles because He knows best.

Jeremiah says that men should not boast in their wisdom, or their might or their riches but let men boast in God who practises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:23). So, let us boast not in ourselves because we are nothing without our God. He gives us life, strength, knowledge, and wisdom. Let us instead depend on Him for everything, allow Him to fight our battles and conquer our enemy. Let us do our part, which is to be faithful to Him. Let us hear, trust, and obey Him, and He will take care of the rest.

The Lord will fight for us.

A song which I hope encourages your heart:

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.