In what ways can we trust God to fight our battles today? Setting the Scene in Joshua 10:20 “When Joshua and the Israelites had finished inflicting a very great slaughter on them until they were destroyed, and the survivors who remained of them had entered the fortified cities,” (Joshua 10:20). The verse captures the moment God’s promise of victory becomes visible. Though Israel fought with swords and spears, the outcome was directed by the Lord who had already declared, “I have delivered them into your hand” (v. 8). What Israel Saw—and What We Can Still Expect • God’s initiative: He spoke the promise before the battle started. • God’s intervention: Hailstones (v. 11) and lengthened daylight (v. 13) proved the fight was ultimately His. • God’s completion: The enemy was “destroyed,” showing the Lord finishes what He begins. Ways God Fights Our Battles Today • Defending us where we cannot defend ourselves – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) • Taking ownership of the conflict – “For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15) • Working through what seems ordinary—our obedience, our steps of faith—while adding His extraordinary power • Overruling opposition, even bending natural laws if necessary (as He stopped the sun for Joshua) • Finishing decisively so that the victory glorifies Him, not us Supporting Scriptures to Anchor Our Trust • Deuteronomy 20:4 — “For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” • Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?” • Ephesians 6:10-11 — Spiritual armor reminds us our struggle is ultimately the Lord’s domain. • Isaiah 54:17 — No weapon formed against God’s people will prosper because He stands behind His promises. Practical Steps to Let God Fight for You 1. Seek His word first. Joshua moved only after hearing God’s command. 2. Pray specifically for God’s intervention; expect Him to answer in His timing and style. 3. Obey whatever instruction He gives—even if it feels ordinary. 4. Stand firm in faith when the battle drags on; daylight was extended for Joshua, and God can extend grace for you. 5. Praise Him before, during, and after the conflict; worship invites His presence and shifts our focus to His strength. Takeaways to Carry Forward • God’s promises precede our battles; cling to what He has already said. • His methods vary, but His faithfulness never changes. • The same God who hurled hailstones for Israel still has unlimited resources for you today. • Victory is certain when He commands the fight, so move forward with confidence and rest in His completed work. |
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