The Battle Continues…

David's victory (image from PRLOG.com)

Years ago, I wrote a blog about war. I was so angry with US because of the horror it continually brought to some parts of West Asia. And, I presumed that few years after that, our country, the Philippines, would be their next target. Until now, I have never seen any advantage war can give in a nation but, my approach to it has changed.  

There is no need to be afraid for those who wait upon the Lord.

The Word of God tells us a lot of stories about war. Perhaps, we can quote David, Goliath, King Saul, King Solomon, the Israelites, the Egyptians, the thirteen tribes and many more Bible names that came across victorious and failed wars. Of course, God has given us several lessons from all of these stories. And, among all these teachings lies the most fundamental message about going through a battle- “If God is with us, who can be against us?”. 

We know the amazing story of David, a small young boy who got the courage to fight and defeat the giant man Goliath by believing that God was with him (I Samuel 17). David’s faith had been built through small and big happenings in his life that, in this situation where his life was truly in a brink, remained strong.  It is amazing how a stick, five stones and a sling he only had made the giant and armored Goliath fell like a mango slung from a tree.  With just this testimony, we can already see that God was at work in David’s victory.

 But, what was then the reason behind this war? Remember that the Philistines were trying to overthrow the Israelites, the God’s people. As David spoke to Goliath who was then belittling him, “..The whole world will know that Israel has a God, and everyone here will see that the Lord does not need swords or spears to save his people…” (I Samuel 17:46-47). Explicitly, the reason behind David’s response was for God’s glory.

Today, what is the reason behind wars?

Actually, God does not want wars. “He stops wars all over the world; he breaks bows, destroys spears, and sets shields on fire. ‘Stop fighting’ he says, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10a). But, people are greedy; they want more when they have too much. They become sinful that they are destined to die forever.  So, God sent Jesus to save us (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). He suffered and died on the cross; but resurrected and promised to come back for the fulfillment of what has been written. Then, in the last days, God has to test the people to know who will hold on to Him until the very end (Mat. 24:13; Rev. 3:10). And, one of the horrible things that will happen is WAR- “You are going to hear the noise of battles far away… countries will fight each other…” (Matthew 24:6-7).

Hence, the battles that are going on today are written. These are part of the troubles that will test people.  We cannot skip this prophecy; ‘such things must happen’ (Mat 24:6) for the final judgment to come when people will be divided into two final destinations: eternal life for the righteous and eternal death for the sinful (Mat. 25:31-46). But,  like the message of Jesus to the church in Philadelphia, “Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you safe from the time of trouble which is coming upon the world to test all the people on earth (Rev. 3:10)”, we should keep our faith in Him and continue to obey His commandments. If there are people who are oppressing us, God will punish them.  Bear in mind that the battle is not ours, it is God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15); thus, we have already won it. We just have to continue to ‘press towards the goal in order to win the prize’ (Phil 3:14) that Jesus has already won for us.

Whatever battle or war you are facing right now, always remember what God has promised- VICTORY. War happens because it is an evidence that there people who are greedy of worldly treasures and of self-glory. Therefore, if you are caught in a battle, fight for the GLORY OF GOD; I am so sure you will win against those who fight for themselves. Be faithful to Him and acknowledge Him whatever happens. He sees you and will ‘never leave you nor forsake you’ (Heb. 13:5).

Mark and keep in mind and heart this verse from Psalms 23:4:

“Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.”