Physical fighting is something I have always shied away from. Growing up I was the youngest and always the smallest. I found my best defense was to run! However, when I had our boys, it was quite different. They never saw running as an option. They had each other, and sometimes I think they pushed the envelope because of that. It was a daily routine for us to have a yard full of kids. Our yard was always the place to go. I didn’t work outside the home and there was always food and drink at my house. My oldest son was always big for his age. Therefore, our younger son took full advantage of having a big brother. All the kids in the neighborhood knew if you picked on Tommy, you had to deal with Joel. Tommy had an advocate. Someone who would fight for him.
We, too, if we are saved, have an advocate, someone who will fight for us. Someone who is greater and stronger and wiser than anything. Jesus is our advocate; He will take our needs to the Father. A Father that is God of the universe. In Exodus 14:10-14, we see our mighty God fighting for His children.
Exodus 14:10 – 13 “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.”
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
God had caused plagues to come upon the Egyptians to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery, so they could return to their homeland. Moses had gone before Pharaoh, and after the plague of the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh agreed to let them go. Once they left, Pharaoh had a change of heart and pursued after them. The Israelites were afraid and began complaining, but Moses assured them God would fight for them, and He did. He waited until all the Egyptians were in the middle of the Red Sea and then closed it upon them. Notice verse 14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” They were to do nothing! God truly would fight the battle and get the glory. He will do the same for us if we will allow Him.
What we must do is be equipped to stand. In Ephesians 6:10–18, we are told to put on the armor of God. This armor is not to equip us to fight on our own, but to be able to withstand attacks and be firm in our resolution to persevere. God does the fighting.
Ephesians 6:10 – 11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
I have personally been in battles where the attack tried to destroy my testimony, but God gave me peace that He would fight for me. I was to do nothing to defend myself except live for Him and continue to press forward. I remember several asking me why I wouldn’t fight back against the lies, but I knew that if I began to speak promoting myself as the one telling the truth, I would only cause people to take sides. However, if I stayed silent and stayed true to God, he would fight for me, and in the end, the truth would prevail. I can tell you today that was the right decision. God fought the battle, and He always wins. If you feel you are in a battle, remember who you are living for. Let Him be the victor, and He will get the glory. Be patient and trust Him. You are to keep living strong for Him. He doesn’t need our help to fight. Our job is to show who He is by the way we live our lives. This truth is the opposite of what the world teaches, but we are not of this world and we shouldn’t act like it. Trust God!
Below are some verses that have been an encouragement to me through the years when facing battles.
Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Deuteronomy 3:22 “Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.”
Deuteronomy 20:4“For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
