Ready for Battle

Scripture:

“These armed men—about 40,000 strong—were ready for battle, and the Lord was with them as they crossed over to the plains of Jericho.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

As Joshua and the people of Israel entered into the Promised Land, they came “ready for battle, and the Lord was with them.”  After 40 years in the wilderness you wouldn’t think anyone should be ready for battle, but the children of Israel had 40,000 men armed and ready for battle.  In this I see two ideas coninciding: 1. The people were ready.  2. God was with them.  That is a powerful combination.

Application:

When it comes to winning victories in our lives, we need these two elements in order to win.  We must be ready for battle.  This requires personal training through studying the Word and prayer.  It also requires God’s intervention.  When you couple the two together, you will win every time.  There is an element that is on us and there is an element that is all God.  God can do it without us, but He gave us spiritual armor and expects us to put it on and be trained, then He will step in and help us achieve the victory.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to be prepared at all times.  Help me to always be in your word and prayer and listening to Your voice.  Help me to be ready at all times, but to be totally dependent on You.  You are my source and my strength.  You are my victory.  Help me to combine preparation and faith in God.

Yours,
Jeff