Daily Devotional by Tom Phillips

Finding Courage in Battle
by Tom Phillips
Friday, July 29, 2005


“‘You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you…. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’”
2 CHRONICLES 20:17


How do you usually react when faced with a seemingly impossible situation? Do you tend to hide your head? Or do you grit your teeth and press ahead, no matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem? We can find encouragement by viewing our battles from God’s perspective. Doing so reminds us of three things. First, regardless of out-ward circumstances, we do not battle against flesh and blood. Second, the battle is God’s, not our own. Third, and most importantly, despite the bruising we may receive in the midst of a battle, God has already won.
How much easier it is to move forward courageously when we see the battle from God’s point of view. When we do, fear leaves us, and we can pray more diligently and confidently, certain that God hears and that He will answer.

In the eyes of the world, time on our knees is time wasted. But the prayers of believers supernaturally unleash God’s power against our enemy. In some miraculous way, our prayers become agents of power. Angels unsheathe their swords and the battle rages. We can’t see it, but we know the principalities are at war, and there is no fear. God is in control, the ultimate victor. We can enter combat focused on God and believing that He will accomplish all that He intends.

SPREAD THE WORD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We acquire courage only through time spent with God in prayer. Through it, He enables us to see the battle and to stand in the gap for others.

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