2 Samuel 5:19
‘so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”’
Look what the Lord does for us, He wins battles. We may be greatly outnumbered or with little resources, but He will win the battles He chooses for us.
One may ask, what are those battles? Few of us are in the military and even fewer see combat. However all of us have problems in life. It may be circumstances or people that bring us distress. We don't want their destruction, we want the situation righted.
The person may be a bully, or someone that is against us. We can seek to figure out the issue, but sometimes that's not possible. We are to do what David did, pray. He may be working character in us or possibly doing a work in them, or both.
Often at the time we are stressed and nothing seems positive. That's why He is a miracle working God. We give it to Him and praise Him for what He is doing. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." He transforms these into gold.
These tough situations feel like chaos. We may have no clue what's happening, but we do know He is good and will work it out for the good. We trust Him.
Petra's song, "The Road to Zion" has a lyric that says, "Sometimes it's good to look back down. We've come so far, we've gained so much ground." While particular times look poisonous, God uses them for good.
These are battles and at times we take action. In act actual battle, we seek to kill the enemy. These battles are different. If it with a person, they declare themselves enemies, while we are to love them. Always with our action and some times with our words. We usually set boundaries and pray.
Ephesians speaks of the armor of God. It's defensive, except for the sword (scripture) and our task is to stand firm and pray. If it's a temptation, we flee. Very different from an actual battle. But God will give us the victory. The sword tells us what right and how to behave. We can confidently stand, having behaved properly and pray.
More actions actions are mercy and forgiveness. Jesus gives us more insight in Matthew 5:39-42, "But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." That's our warfare. Completely different weapons and goals.
Today's culture has become quite dark. There is much attacking and canceling. To the enemy, the ends justify the means. They will do anything to win. We need to be as "shrewd as serpents and as innocent as dove" (Matthew 10:16). Wow. God is brilliant. The shrewd part means we understand what they are doing, but avoid them. We aren't to engage them according to their rules. We are to be blameless. God is walking before us and fighting for us.
Lord, thank You that You use those battles and bring victories. Areas that were tender and grief producing have become stepping stones. You are so wise and great. Thank You.