"Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed ... for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." 2 Chronicles 32:7,8)
One of the most mismatched battles of all time was waged between Persia and Egypt in the sixth century. Persian ruler Cambyses II attacked a vastly superior Egyptian army. By all accounts, the Persians should have suffered a humiliating defeat, except that the battle was won with cats. The Egyptians were notoriously superstitious concerning cats, and the Persians used cats as shields, and even lobbed so many onto the battle field that the Egyptians could not wage war without harming a cat. Fear-stricken, they either retreated or surrendered to an inferior army.
Appearing mismatched against a superior Assyrian army, King Hezekiah had a much greater advantage than any cat superstition. His was a deep realization that Yahweh fought their battles, and was far greater than any well-trained, well-armed force. As such, he admonished the people to be strong and courageous with the realization that the One fighting for them was vastly superior to the Assyrian army. Indeed, the angel of the LORD went out and annihilated the Assyrian army before a sword could be drawn.
Whether today or in the future, some form of warfare in our lives is inevitable. Ours is an invisible battle, but a very real one nevertheless. Hezekiah's words offer us rich encouragement: "be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed." Perhaps easier said than believed, we do well to repeatedly remind ourselves of this great truth because it is true. Hezekiah's words sound very similar to those of the apostle John: "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4. Another important reminder is found in Hebrews 10:39 "But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."
Whatever we may face today, God's got this through Jesus His Son, our Lord. Nothing is easier than surrendering to fear and dismay, but we have a superior force ensuring the victory if we but trust in Him.
As these words come your way, perhaps a particular battle comes to mind that your are currently facing. Claim these victorious words. Perhaps someone's name comes to mind whom you know to be facing a significant battle. One the most productive things you may do today is to remind them of the truth of the verses.
May yours be a victorious day today.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
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