Have you ever wondered if you’re on the winning team? And if you are, then why is it so hard? Maybe it’s the swirling conflict of spiritual warfare? Or, you’re on the wrong side of a conflict with someone. Or you’re going through loss of employment, or your car is repeatedly unreliable. Whatever it is, it all causes a sense of defeat and loss. You’ve had better days, but not right now.

During a recent morning quiet time, I read the following passage. Why don’t you read it out loud? You will catch details and put yourself in the story!

I Chronicles 5:18-22

¹⁸ The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service—able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle.¹⁹ They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. ²⁰ They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. ²¹ They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive, ²² and many others fell slain, because the battle was God’s. And they occupied the land until the exile.

So, let’s begin: In verse 18, a particular battle is happening between the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. There were 44,760 men ready to serve in the military. 

Let’s focus on how these men won.

Verse 18 describes the men as:

• Ready for military service. 
• Able-bodied and able to handle the sword, shield, and bow. 
• Trained for battle.

In verse 19, the text says they waged the war and identifies the enemy. It was the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Hodab. And in verse 20, we learn that God helped them and delivered the Hagrites and all their allies to them. 

The story clearly states the reasons why God showed His power to them.

• They had cried out to Him during the battle. 

• They trusted in Him.

WE CAN DO THE SAME, AND GOD WILL RESPOND!

3 Ways They Won:

1. They were ready and able-bodied.

What makes me ready for battle? A discipline or practice of turning to God every morning. I am dependent. If you aren’t, pray to be. There is too much about life that is not pleasant. God doesn’t release me to change the situation. I’ve learned to depend on Him.

What about being able-bodied? The culture has turned health into idol worship. One doesn’t have to worship one’s body or be obsessed with one’s body. The Lord wants me to have discipline to care for my body because it is His (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). But also, when I take care of my body, I have the strength to serve Him day to day. Even if you face significant physical challenges, those who win over those challenges suffer well. The ones I know are dependent on the Lord and are wonderful examples in the Body of Christ.

2. They could handle all the equipment.

You and I have practical equipment for our use. The precious Holy Spirit is near and dear. The Bible is our guide. Prayer is our peace. Other Christians give support. And our local church is where we gather corporately for worship, accountability, and so much more. These pieces of equipment help us live effective lives for God’s Kingdom.

3. And then during the battle, they cried out to God.

God is the one who looks on and knows our hearts. But I believe their actions also showed God that they trusted in Him.

The result is that they ended up occupying the land. And they gave credit to God. 

The passage reminds me that I have all the equipment to win the battle every day as I live in this dark world. When my heart is turned toward the Lord, I can cry out to God and keep trusting Him. When I honor God, He honors me(I Samual 2:30b).

Are you ready for battle? That doesn’t mean you wage war. It does mean you can train yourself through practices in the Word (several ideas are on my site), and you can be sure you take care of your physical body as much as it depends on you. And cry out to God often. My circumstances may not improve, but He is faithful to work in my heart. He helps me keep crying out to Him, which increases my joy and gives me strength. It is the humble dependency that shows my faith to Him. He is ready to respond. That’s how you know you are on the winning team.

So, these are your battle plans. Are you ready? Will you take the actions necessary to win the battle? I’d love to hear from you~

©Valerie Rumfelt

ENCOURAGE SOMEONE~

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