2 Samuel 8:6, 14 The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.

It is interesting and meaningful that the Bible speaks of God “giving” victory to this person or that, when we tend to feel (whether or not we say) that we “achieve” victory. The Biblical terminology is a reminder that God is in control. He expects us to make good use of the brains and other resources He provides, but the outcome is ultimately in His hands. Deuteronomy speaks of “one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight,” (Deuteronomy 32:20) and there have been times that the odds were just about that extreme. Within the past 50 years, the “6-day War” comes to mind. It wasn’t that Israel’s enemies were that utterly incompetent, it was that God gave Israel victory. For most people, military victory doesn’t seem to apply to them very closely, but the same principle applies to every struggle of life. As Paul reminded us repeatedly, we are in the middle of spiritual warfare whether we like it or not. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18) As Paul indicates, we are to be actively involved in the battle, but we must remember that it is God who gives victory. As any military commander would tell you, battle-hardened troops are the best kind, but they only get that way by experience. God allows us to go through struggles in order to strengthen us. If we fail to put our all into the fight, we won’t grow stronger. At the same time, we must remember that it is God who gives victory, and rest in the assurance that if we are obedient to Him, there can be no other outcome.

This is extremely timely, when I awoke this morning aware of the spiritual battle we are in. Presuming on God is risky indeed, but failing to trust Him is equally, if not more, foolish. I am to do battle on behalf of the people of this church and of this city, not with physical weapons but with spiritual, and I am to do so with the assurance that God will give the victory. The devil delights to overwhelm us with negatives, both big and small, so keeping Christ in focus is essential. I am not to pretend the negatives aren’t there, but I must remember that they are a very small part of the total picture, and rejoice in the victory that Christ has already won on the cross. That victory will be manifested in every area of my life in His time, if I am faithful to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder and “call to arms” this morning. Help me not draw back from any battle, either in my own life or in the church or society around me. May I learn better and better how to use the weapons You have provided for me, fully clad in Your armor, so that I may advance steadily into the victory that You have provided, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!