During The Battle



"They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, Naphishites, and the Nodabites. They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him. So the Hagrites and all their allies were defeated. I Chronicles 5:19-20

Things weren't looking good. The semester was coming to an end and I was on the verge of seeing my first ever failing grade after never even seeing a "C" before. My mind and this course had a complete and total disconnect. Hours of study and practice problems proved pointless. There was only one thing left to do ... "Help!" I prayed relentlessly and started meeting with a super smart kid in my class. By God's grace, I narrowly passed. 

The people of Israel had amazing moments where they were in step with God. This passage records one of those moments.Tucked in the midst of the record of genealogies, we find this solid gold scene of life with God in summary form. Instruction. Obedience. Resistance. Petitioning. Victory. Growth. Those leading the charge were described as mighty warriors. They were pacesetters whose faith in God inspired their courage.

The Bible makes it very clear that we were all born into a battle. The devil and his fallen angels are determined to destroy anything and everyone they possibly can. Paul told the church in Ephesus to put on the full armor of God in order to stand against the devil. Sometimes, he tricks us into thinking life is about something else other than defeating him. Comfort, happiness, stuff, experiences, etc. Don't get fooled. James says that the devil is a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We are living "during the battle". It's time to fight the good fight, cry out to God and trust in him.

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