Are you Battle Weary?

…for the battle is the Lords 

1 Sam. 17:47

I survived a short, but nonetheless combative parenting phase when all four kids were teenagers. The description “battle-weary mom” fit perfectly. Now, however, far more serious battles rage around me in family, friends and acquaintances: spiritual warfare, job security; cancer battles; mental illness; care-giving; death. Each requires a brave heart as well as perseverance. Remembering “the battle is the Lords” helps me pause, regroup and release the struggle to Him.

The context for this declaration, though, takes us back to a popular children’s Bible story—David and Goliath. I recently read with intrigue this classic Old Testament narrative. It still amazes me. The youngest son, David, arrived at the Israelite/Palestinian battlefield with food for his brothers and their commander. Young David heard the taunts of the Palestinian behemoth, Goliath, who had humiliated and defied the armies of the living God for 40 days. In response, David told King Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him” (1 Sam. 17:32 NIV). 

On the battlefield, David speaks directly to Goliath, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (v. 47 NIV). I still marvel at this young man’s confidence, and feel somewhat cowardly about my own hesitancy to tackle much smaller challenges.

What was the secret to his confidence? He relied upon a truth that is still true today—the battle is the Lord’s. He’s the One who goes with us into the hospital room, the board room, the classroom, or the court room. God is sovereign and only needs our willingness to stand for the things that matter to Him. God will not only stand with us, but will also go before us—for the battle is the Lord’s. All God needs is the heart of a boy, a girl, a man, or a woman to join Him.

Linda Lesniewski