What a week! Ever said that? I sure have… and when I do, it isn’t usually in a good way. Quite often, the difficulties from that week continue into the next week, and can become an ongoing battle. Deep breath. Sigh…

The word ‘battle’ is defined as a lengthy and difficult conflict or struggle. There are around 170 occurrences of ‘battle’ in the Bible. So, if we want to withstand our battles – and win them – the Bible is a good place to look.

Here are some ‘battle’ questions we may need to ask ourselves:

• Are we wise enough for the battle?

Solomon was. In 1 Kings 3:11-12, God granted wisdom to him, because he asked for it. Then, he was able to make good decisions. Wisdom. Ask for it.

• Do we believe enough to withstand the battle?

Shammah did. In 2 Samuel 23:12, he stood in the middle of the field, he defended it, he struck the enemy down – and the LORD brought the victory. Our action can bring about the Lord’s reaction.

• Do we have enough faith to win the battle?

 David did. Five stones. One sling. A really big giant. Fearful? No. Faith filled? Yes. He knew the Lord was with him. We need our faith – sometimes lots of it. In 2 Kings 4, the oil stopped for the widow and her son only when they ran out of vessels to contain it. Their faith was limited. (They should have brought more containers.) Faith. Not fear. Big faith. Big victories.

• Are we weak enough for the battle?

 William Bradbury composed the tune, Jesus Loves Me, with the words, “We are weak, but He is strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The secret is to go in the strength of the LORD. Our weakness in a battle leads us to greater dependence on God’s strength. That’s when we win. Weak is strong. Even in a battle.

• Do we even need to fight?

2 Chronicles 20:15 – For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Exodus 14:14 – The Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace.

Do you remember a time you were straining to carry a load that was just too heavy for you? Or you were struggling with something that you did not know how to handle? Or maybe the task was too difficult and you were simply exhausted?

Then… someone shows up and says, “Let me take care of that for you.”

That is exactly what God wants to do for us when we are in a battle.

Yes, we may be in the battle, but it is not our battle to fight.

Instead… Ask for wisdom. Believe God. Have faith. Embrace the knowledge that when we are weak, He is strong.

And… let God take care of that for you.

 

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com