The Lord Will Fight for You
Exodus 14:13-14
Exodus 14, God delivers His people from slavery in Egypt. He leads them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night and He leads them to the edge of the Red Sea. The Egyptian army is regretting what they have done and are trying to overtake the Israelites. And God leads them to basically a dead end. They have this massive body of water in front of them. Behind them is an Egyptian army that wants to overtake them. The people who see no way out start to panic. What God had said in Exodus 14:14 proves true. Just like His promises always prove true. The Lord will fight for you.
Joshua 10, we are told how Joshua overcame his enemies. Up until now, Joshua has fought his enemies one by one – first Jericho, then Ai, then Gibeon. Now, his enemies are ganging up on him. Five kings, led by the king of Jerusalem form an alliance to attack Gibeon. It’s a menacing situation, but God is going to use it to bring about a great victory for Joshua and the Israelites. Do you want to win the victory over the enemy in your life? Then do the same thing Moses and Joshua did. Don’t shrink back from the challenge or the obstacles ahead. Instead…
Proceed with confidence in God’s Word. Joshua 10:8 – “And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”
Pray with confidence in God’s Will. Joshua 10:12 – “At that time Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
Prevail with confidence in God’s power. Joshua 10:42 – “And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.”
Discussion Guide
What is the one “pursuing army” you fear in your life right now? How is God leading you up to this point: In circles? In the dark? Through fire or do you feel abandoned by those you’ve trusted?
In what ways might this passage help you to trust God with your fears? What one battle would you like God to fight for you this week? Based on your own life story how would you describe God’s power to someone else who wasn’t there when He rescued you?
Where in your life is it evident that the Lord is fighting for you? Do you have anyone alongside you in that battle? Who? How long is it taking to win your particular battle? Why do you think God commanded the Israelites to destroy the cities totally? Might God command something similar today? If so what “zero tolerance” program comes to mind?