2 Chronicles 20:15
This is what the LORD says: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God's.
The battle belongs to the Lord
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There was once a student who went for an exam. He carried along a dozen pens, three calculators, and two geometry sets, just in case one ran out or was exhausted. In addition, he also had two 2-litre bottles of water. On approaching the exam room, the invigilator wondered why he had come so heavily armed. The student promptly shot back, “I am taking no chances as I must pass by all means!” But the invigilator admitted him with only the minimum requirements. “Trust God,” the invigilator implored him.
If you think this story is odd, just go back to the story of Gideon, who set out to to attack the oppressing Midianites. In order not to leave anything to chance, he put together an army of about 32,000 warriors. However, just before he set out, the Lord gave him a curious command: “The Lord said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, “My own strength has saved me” (Judges 7:2).
Even after cutting them down to ten thousand, God asked Gideon to separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink. Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink (vv. 5-6). “So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others” (v. 8).
Now, imagine reducing an army from 32,000 to 300—would you still take on a battle-trained army? But Gideon decided to trust God. “When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the enemy camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath” (v. 22).
There are battles we face where we feel the need to be armed to the teeth, just as the student was. But there are battles that belong to the Lord, and more so, God wants to receive the glory. You might be going through such a battle right now. Trust the Lord instead of your own power, and He will bring deliverance.
Reflect & Pray
Do I rely on my own power whenever I engage in any battle, or on the power of God?
Lord Almighty God, it is so easy to rely on one’s power and abilities. Yet no power can rival yours. So, I look up to you, instead of relying on my own strength. I wait on You, for the battle is Yours, and You will cause victory according to Your will. This I pray in Jesus’s name!
