Deuteronomy 20:1-4 — 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. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, and shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
There are plenty of times when I see a job in front of me and it just looks beyond me. The obstacles are too great, there are too many people who might not be enemies, but who just won’t cooperate.
I’ve come to realize that I can get through all of those situations. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not always successful — but quite often I am, and even when I’m not, the results are rarely as bad as I might have expected.
I’ve never really understood why I’ve been able to get through tough times, but over the last year or so the answer has become pretty clear. There’s a song we’ve started singing … It has a great chorus:
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) — Chris Tomlin
Looking at my verses from Deuteronomy today, I realized I could really “own” those verses — especially if I thought about the “formula” it suggests.
First, the Israelites we’re going to be fighting battles the Lord had prepared for them. If I am sure that whatever I’m facing is part of God’s plan for my life, I can be sure He will be taking care of me on the journey.
Second, the Israelites could be sure their God was with them … and I can be sure that God is with me. In fact I have His promise to that effect.
Then, the Israelites had their priest to lead them into battle. Well:
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. …
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14, 16)
I have a High Priest who will go into battle with me … especially if I remember to pray.
When things get tough I can stand on the promises of God — and so can you, and then you are mighty!