When God Fights

I remember when my middle daughter was seven being picked on by a boy a couple years older than her. His teasing was relentless and it was clearly bothering Abby. Finally, our oldest, Laura, could take it no longer. Pushing past Abby, she grabbed the boy by the shirt, drove him against a wall, and told him he better knock it off or else.

Sometimes God calls us to stand and fight. He promises to strengthen us in the battle but calls on us to engage the enemy. At other times He calls us to simply be still; He will do the fighting for us.

There are some enemies we just can’t fight. They are too powerful, too relentless, too overwhelming and we are too weak, too tired, too defeated. What a comfort to know we have a God who fights on our behalf.

Can you picture it? I can. I see myself collapsed on the field of battle, worn, weary, armor dented and blood-stained, muscles aching, spirit deflated. Then God, my Father, my Protector, steps up, helps me to my feet, wipes the blood from my brow, and pulls me close. He whispers in my ear, “Be still, child. I’ll do the fighting for you.”

God is not some detached deity sitting on His throne passively watching His children struggle through this life. He is involved, close, personal, and actively loving. He fights on behalf of His loved ones.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.

Amen.