August 2023
Are you battle ready?
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Published: August 1, 2023
A war is typically made up of many smaller battles. Shorter in duration and focus, battles present the opportunity to gain or lose ground in the ultimate quest to win the war. What is interesting about the history of war is that the number of battles won or lost does not necessarily determine the ultimate winner. War represents a much longer strategy that provides favor for those who overcome loss, remain focused, and maximize the use of resources. Margaret Thatcher once said, “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” I found this to be so true in my life. A temporary loss or setback does not dictate the ultimate outcome. It is possible to lose a battle (even the same battle) but ultimately win the war.
Whether emotional, physical, spiritual, or political, our lives are filled with battles. Battles can debilitate the strongest of people and create seemingly impossible obstacles. We all have a story that involves some tough times. You may have just come through a battle, but rest assured there are many around you that are right in the middle of something you may not even know about. This pattern of challenges is not new. In fact, it is well documented in the Bible. One example is found in 2 Chronicles chapter 20, where King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was faced with what seemed to be an impossible battle. A vast army was headed to take his land. From a human perspective, there was no way to win, and certain defeat was imminent. However, the king looked to God for direction. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT) documents what God told the king and the people of Judah. “…This is what the Lord says, do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by the mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” The people of Judah put their trust in God, and God delivered them from the army in a miraculous way. King David is yet another example of a leader who demonstrated, time and time again, the ability to overcome the seemingly impossible by trusting in God. He understood the source of his strength as documented in Psalms 144:1 (NIV) when he said, “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT) says, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” We would all benefit from being reminded of two things. First, we should remember the leaders that have gone before us and how they relied on God to deliver them from impossible situations. Most importantly, we need to understand that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Whatever battle you are facing, there is a Helper and Comforter that is available for those who believe. It is the same God of the Bible, and He is still in the miracle working business.
In the span of our lifetime, we will see many battles. It is easy to remain focused when things are going well, but in the darkest moments of the battle, things will always look and feel impossible. It is in these moments that holding tight to the truths found in God’s word will help us through. Each one of us has the opportunity to not only speak the truth but live it! Like the leaders in the Bible, our own resilience and strength in times of challenge will be an encouragement to those around us.
Challenge: Understand that regardless of who you are or where you are in life, battles will come. Follow the example of faith from those leaders who have trusted God in the middle of their challenges. Remember God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
