The LORD Will Fight for You [Deuteronomy 3]

21"I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, 'Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so the LORD shall do to all the kingdoms into which you are about to cross.  22'Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.' 23"I also pleaded with the LORD at that time, saying, 24'O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?


During the review that Moses is giving the people of how they left Egypt and made it to the promised land two years later and then had to wander for forty years, I have been thinking about how the book of Hebrews uses this analogy for our spiritual lives.  When we accepted Christ as our Savior, it was like the children of Israel's Passover and then being led out of the bondage of slavery.  They became a new nation with a new leader - God.  1 Peter 2:9 says that the same is true for us. "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"


The promised land represents that life of rest and peace that God offers us as we walk with Him on this earth. Hebrews 4 tells us that the Sabbath rest is ours when we cease from all our work (striving) and we walk by faith, in God's power, in His strength alone.   God the author and perfecter of our faith is the only One who can give this faith.  As we move into this territory of rest, He is calling us to not be afraid, "for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you."


Today I as I move toward my promised land I see that if is still being ruled by thoughts of slavery.  Places where I have agreed with the lies of God's enemy about who I am.  Thoughts like, "I am too needy, God is going to give up on me." or "My flaws keep everyone (including God) from understanding and loving me."  It is really heartening to see that He longs for me to live in the place of trust that He has given me.  He is willing to fight for me to be in that place.  He is not asking me to do this alone.  As I move into the territory He will fight for me.  He desires for me live in His marvelous light and find the peace He has given.


Lord, I praise You that You want to free me from my fear and You are willing to fight for me.  "O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?" Cause me to reclaim the land You have given me in Your strength alone.




Verna McCrillis, 8/25/2010