God Fights For UsSample

Prepare to Advance

Imagine stepping into an NFL game unprepared, without the proper equipment or training and having J.J. Watt running towards you. How is that going to work out for you? Some of us trust so much in our personality, abilities, and experience, that we think that we can go into battle unprepared. Fortunately, life teaches us that it takes preparation to succeed. This is a lesson we all learn; sometimes by listening to other people’s stories, other times by our own experience. 

The second truth we can learn from Joshua’s story is to show up to battle prepared to advance. God had promised Joshua that He would fight for the Israelites. After receiving this promise, after believing and trusting in God, Joshua and his army took the time to prepare for the battle. They caught the enemy by surprise. They walked 25 miles and had to ascend 4,000 feet, from Gilgal to Gibeon. It took them the whole night to get ready for battle. 

It makes you wonder: how many times do we show up to battle unprepared? How many times do we try to take matters into our own hands before spending time alone with God, without praying, or before studying the Word of God and meditating? It takes time to prepare for battle. It takes effort. You cannot face the enemy without preparation, unless you want to fail and go backward. Remember that in combat you either win or lose. There is just no other option. Furthermore, the Bible strongly warns us regarding the matter of showing up to battle unprepared. 

The most significant spiritual battle that ever took place on Earth occurred at Gethsemane the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus knew that He was going to face the enemy at the cross, and He did not just show up to battle unprepared. His disciples, however, did not pray, and when they were tempted in the battle later they sinned. Jesus prayed all night long. He did it so earnestly that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. This was the Son of God! How much more do we need to prepare to advance if the Son of God Himself prayed before going to battle for you and me? Allow this truth to sink in. Let us be humble enough to seek the Lord’s face before facing our enemies. 

Thought of the Day

Lord help us to be humble and wise enough to realize that we need to prepare before stepping into battle. First we trust, then prepare to advance.