An endless string of Victory (vol.1)

To Compel myself to use my blog more frequently, I am starting a series of encouraging thoughts about Victory. This will be my first entry in which I hope to provide a platform to discuss and share different aspects about God's Holy Word and His will for us to 'be' Victorious.

Who's fighting?

The Battlefield

2 Chronicles 2:17-23; Psalm 144: 1-2

Perhaps one of the most devastating war tactics is a surprise attack. Consider the destruction that occurred at Pearl Harbor. While many were sleeping, they were attacked by air and sea. This sank many American ships and nearly crushed the naval base. The US did not anticipate such an attack. Survivors of the attack recall thinking and saying to each other "This is not a drill. We are actually under attack!" The total loss of life for the Americans was about 2500 that morning.

One may begin to wonder, "Well who would want to attack me/us/my family?" That's a reasonable question but I am reminded that the battlefield can be very close to you and everyone on or near the battlefield is a target. In 2 Chronicles the enemy was planning a surprise attack and was attempting to surround the city and subdue the people of God. The king wasn't prepared to battle in part because he and the city were at ease. They just left a battlefield away from their city but now the enemy is bringing the battle to their city - into their place of comfort - where they found rest. Fortunately they were warned in time for the entire city to work together by praying and fasting.

These two methods of staying in contact with God are actually the best way for us to stay prepared and not get 'too comfy' in this world that we live in because surely by living on a battlefield we will get targetted for war. In Psalm 144, David thanks God for how He continuously prepares us for war by expressing our need to stay in prayer. The relationship is that God prepares us for War because He knows that we will be attacked.

Hence, He writes"Lord you have taught my hands to war and fingers to fight." The relationship of fighting and praying is described thusly: For the children of God/believers in Jesus we must use the gift of prayer frequently as a means for preparing for battle. Yet The Lord in His infinite wisdom, power and might prepares us sufficiently that we may be able to stand (and be hidden) in the time of trouble. So that we can hear the Lord clearly remind us -
Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD...2Ch 20:17

To be cont....