The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s. (1 Sam. 17:47)
This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chron. 20:15)
“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” (Zech. 4:6-7)
Heavenly Father, we love it when you underscore our insufficiency, and throw the spotlight on your mercy and might, as these Scriptures do. Though you give us all the resources we need to fight well (Eph. 6:10-18), it’s you we must trust as the Divine Warrior, deliverer, and Savior.
Not as disengaged pacifists, but as fully engaged worshipers, you call us to behold your salvation and rescue. We’re never more than David facing Goliath, or Zerubbabel facing a “mountain” of opposition. But with you, we won’t be afraid. We’ll hurl our pebbles of faith and shout, “Grace, grace to it” at our difficulties.
Whether it’s a mere dustup, or an all-out assault, the battle belongs to you. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day; faith and peace are. When we’re afraid of events in world politics, and when it seems like evil and terror will triumph, let us hear the laughter of heaven (Psalm 2). Show us the occupied throne of heaven, and it will shut up our fears (Rev. 4:1-2).
When we’re under attack by the seducer, accuser, and condemner, let us see Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith. He is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30-31). We boast and trust in Jesus, not in ourselves.
When family matters, work dynamics, or church stuff gets “dicey,” slay us with the gospel and bring us back to faith expressing itself in love. When we’re in the presence of evil and extreme brokenness, keep us faith-full and centered in Jesus. When our divided hearts wage war inside of us, come to us in the storm, and make peace, Lord. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and tender name.