The Lures of Chariots and Horses

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and shall say to the people, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’” Deuteronomy 20:1-4

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

The formidable presence of chariots and horses can leave a man quaking or confident, depending on his perception and standing. Both responses are an aberration to how the Lord would have us see. A distorted view of the might of the enemy leaves us frozen to God’s call and opportunities. Seeing too large the looming enemy at hand, we fail to look beyond to the One who is greater and whose promises are more powerful. Conversely, when we trust in manmade means and tools to defeat the enemy, we prove our faith defeated. (Isaiah 31:1,3)

It is the Lord who gives right sight and adjusts heavenly proportions of the ways and weapons of warfare. He is greater than our foe, and He is our shield and Victor. If we would focus on Him and His strength and word, and approach every battle within the parameters of His promises and armed with His help, we can conquer. (Psalm 3:3; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 John 4:4)

What opponents presently have us fretting in fear? What foolish resources are we trusting in battle? How will we correct to advance with the true Victor in bold vision and faith?

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~Martin Luther (1529)

Father, give me heavenly perspective of every part and player in spiritual battle, and help me fight remembering that You win.