Comparing Wars Recorded in Scripture with How to Win Wars Today Using God's Plan and Our Obedience
Today, Monday, November 11, 2024 we celebrate Veterans’ Day, so I wanted to honor the many victories we as Americans and Christians have won. Throughout the Bible, the concept of war is often associated with God's divine intervention, the obedience of His people, and the fulfillment of His purposes. There are various types of wars recorded in the Bible, from physical battles fought by the Israelites to spiritual warfare that involves resisting temptation, sin, and the enemy's schemes. The key to victory, both in the physical and spiritual realm, is aligning with God's plan and walking in obedience to His commands
1. Biblical Wars:
A. The Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-20)
The Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, were commanded by God to march around the fortified city of Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, after the final trumpet blast, the walls of Jericho fell, and the Israelites took the city.
Obedience to God's specific instructions led to victory.
"Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days.'” (Joshua 6:2-3 NIV)
B. David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40-51 NIV)
Young David, armed only with a sling and stones, faced the giant Goliath who had mocked the Israelite army. David trusted in God's power, not in conventional weapons, and defeated Goliath with a single stone.
Faith in God’s power and obedience to His will."David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV)
C. The Battle of the Israelites Against the Moabites (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a coalition of enemy armies. Instead of preparing for battle in the usual manner, Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance, and the people fasted and prayed. God instructed them to send worshippers ahead of the army. As they praised God, the enemy armies turned on each other, and Judah won without raising a sword.
Trust in God's direction and the power of worship and obedience. "Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Listen to me, Judah and the people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets, and you will be successful.'" (2 Chronicles 20:20 NIV)
How We Win Wars Today:
The principle of war today—whether in the physical, emotional, or spiritual realms—is essentially the same: align yourself with God's plan and walk in obedience.
A. Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18)
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul describes the Christian life as a spiritual battle against the forces of evil. Victory in spiritual warfare requires putting on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV)
Obedience: The armor of God represents obedience to God’s will and the daily choice to align with His power, not our own.
Victory: Victory in this type of war is not about physical strength but spiritual strength. It comes through prayer, worship, faith, and standing firm on God's Word.
B. Trust in God’s Plan (Isaiah 54:17)
The Bible promises that no weapon formed against us will prosper. This doesn't mean we won’t face challenges, but it assures us that God's plan for us will prevail, and no enemy can defeat us when we trust Him. "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)
Obedience: Walking in God’s will brings peace and confidence in the face of opposition.
Victory: God promises ultimate protection and victory over every attack, but we must remain in Him.
C. Obedience and Prayer (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
When God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He promises to heal their land and bring restoration. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Obedience: Humility and repentance are keys to winning battles, both personal and collective.
Victory: God promises to intervene and bring healing and restoration when we are obedient.
3. Declarations:
Incorporating the principles from the scriptures above, here are declarations that can be made by believers today to engage in warfare aligned with God's plan:
Declaration of Obedience and Trust in God's Power: "I choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. I acknowledge Him in all my ways, and He directs my paths to victory."
(Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)Declaration of Protection and Victory: "No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Every tongue that rises against me in judgment I condemn. This is my heritage as a servant of the Lord, and my righteousness is from Him."
(Isaiah 54:17 NIV)Declaration of Spiritual Armor: "I put on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. I stand firm against every scheme of the enemy, for I am more than a conqueror through Christ."
(Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV)Declaration of God's Intervention and Restoration: "I humble myself before the Lord, seeking His face, repenting of my sins, and turning to Him. I believe He will hear my prayer, forgive my sin, and heal my land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)