Is there Freedom from the Fight?
A couple of years ago, I received some work-related news that completely devastated me. I should have seen it coming, but I was truly shocked. Our long-time principal was retiring from the public school system to be a principal of a Christian school out of state. This man played a pivotal role in my adolescence and my career. He was my middle-school science teacher and Christian Club sponsor. I was privileged to have the opportunity to work under his leadership for several years in my career. He guided us and shepherded our faculty almost like a pastor would his congregation. The news of his departing was heartbreaking because we knew that whoever replaced him would not be him. Many of us would have followed him if we could have found a way. We knew we were about to be faced with everything he protected us from. We were certain it would be hard and painful. Honestly, I was afraid of what battles were to come.
During that time, I was reading through the book of Joshua, and as I read chapter 10, the Lord began to reveal something interesting to me. In the text, the five kings of the Amorites from Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon decided to join forces to attack the people of Gibeon. Gibeon’s people had made allies and peace with Israel, and the Amorites were afraid. The Gibeonites pleaded with Joshua to help, and then we find out what God says to Joshua:
The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.” Joshua 10:8 NIV
Joshua’s response was to take the troops by surprise. Israel fought and won. Isn’t that nice? God says, “You got this,” and he knows he will win. But you know what I found interesting? Joshua still had to fight. A lot. Thankfully, I’m not an expert in warfare, but I can confidently surmise that it is difficult work, beyond just physically and mentally exhausting, demanding time, attention, strength, and sacrifice. Taking a life - even of an enemy - is not lighthearted stuff! God promised Joshua victory, but He did not promise him freedom from the fight. He could’ve, but He required Joshua and Israel to fight even though He caused them to win. The end of the chapter closes with these words:
All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. Joshua 10:42 NIV
Another familiar Bible story echoes this characteristic of God. Young David showed up to fight Goliath:
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 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." 1 Samuel 17:45-47 NIV
From what I read over and over, it would seem that God expects us to fight. He will do the rest, but we have to show up to the battle even when it isn’t easy. There may be loss, heartache, blood, sweat, and tears; however, God will not leave you. A faithful God who loves you beyond description fights for you.
When I read these words after receiving news that my principal was leaving, I was encouraged. Yes, the year after would be a battle. Looking back, it was actually harder and more troubling than I anticipated, especially when you considered the end of the year involved virtual learning due to a global pandemic. Regardless, God was with me. He fought for me. He brought me out on the other side victoriously.
If you are facing hard or trying times, remember to show up each day. Show up for the fight, but be confident that God stands on your side. Be willing to take on the giants like David or the enemies like Joshua. Just know that God will fight for you.
