-Rules for War
Conflict & Opposition

Deuteronomy 20:1-10
--
"Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic. For the Lord..is the ONE WHO GOES WITH YOU..." (Deuteronomy 20:3-4)

The heading in my Bible for Deuteronomy 20 is "Rules for War." It brings to mind a friend, a Major in the USMC, showing me the battle strategy he followed during the Vietnam War. He said that while he lost men in battle, more would have been lost if they hadn't followed the plan set before them. Embedded within them were the rules they learned in training and later applied to combat.

Isn't that a good analogy for our spiritual battles, too? We face times of conflict and opposition. We feel outnumbered, helpless. As God reminded the Israelites of His presence, He also assures us that He is with us through all our conflicts and dangers. That's why He sent His Son right here to walk among us--to show us firsthand that "the Lord is the one who goes with us."

Jesus Himself used the Word of God to oppose Satan and his evil tactics (Matthew 4:1-11), shouldn't we consider doing the same? Apply the trustworthy Word--much more than a book of rules--to battle with the enemy. No need to be fainthearted.
---
When you feel the lack of hope, renew yourself in God's promise of strength and presence.

--Haven Today