READING: Deuteronomy 20-23, Luke 2:22-52
I’m hardly a military expert, but I generally think this way: in a time of war, it’s probably better to have more warriors than your enemy does. More boots on the ground, I would think, would more likely lead to victory. On the other hand, I doubt it’s often happened that both warring armies had exactly the same number of soldiers. One of the armies is almost always bigger than the other one.
The Hebrews would face situations when the forces of their enemies would outnumber them, too. When they did, though, they were not to be afraid – for God would be with them. The same God who brought them out of Egypt would grant them victory in battle. Still, though, they apparently would need reassurance, for the priest was to remind them in repetitive terms, “Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them” (Deut 20:3).
See, it’s one thing to trust God for victory when you already outnumber other forces—or, when you’re not in battle in the first place. It’s another matter, though, when you’re face-to-face with forces more numerous than yours. That’s when we truly must trust God.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for being my warrior. Help me to trust You.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: If you face tough battles today in some area of your life, trust God for victory.
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 24-27, Luke 3
