Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be
silent.
When I hear the word battle, my mind instinctively pictures
a warrior with steadfast posture ready for engagement. Scripture provides us
with an instructive illustration of how we prepare for the battles of our life
when they come knocking at our door. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians,
outlines the defensive protections we have against the enemy: the belt of
truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel peace, shield of
faith, and helmet of salvation. Our one offensive protection, the sword of the
Spirit, the word of God, allows us to engage in battle. Yet, there are times in
life when we must take a step back and rest in the assurance that we also have
a God who fights for us.
In Exodus, as they stand on the edge of the Red Sea, Moses
tells the children of Israel, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only
to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14) The Israelites found themselves in a seemingly
impossible situation, caught between the sea and a fast-approaching Egyptian
army. Incapable of escaping on their own, they were left with no other option but
to wait for the Lord to move on their behalf. When we look at the situation at
hand, it’s easy to assume the impending conflict lies between Pharaoh’s army
and the children of Israel. However, scriptures tell us there was another
battle going on between God and the Egyptians (Exodus 14:4).
We see this tension between the responsibility of putting
on our armor and wielding our sword of the Spirit with resting in the assurance
that God does fight for us. The tension rests in the simple truth that we are
called, as believers of Christ, to endure the battles and trust in the
Deliverer. We prepare, but our confidence resides in the Savior. So, when you
find yourself focused so intently on preparation for the battle ahead that you
lose sight of where your true victory resides, take pause and rest in the Lord.
Silence your mind and rest in the assurance that you never fight alone.
Dear Lord, we thank You that in life’s battles we are never
fighting alone because You are always with us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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