July 2 -- "The Lord who Fights for Us"

 Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 1

"The Lord who Fights for Us"

The Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land presents amazing illustrations and analogies for the Christian journey. Egypt, the area of bondage, slavery, and hardship is symbolic of the life of the world, slaves to our flesh to Satan; and so it is typical of our old life. 

The Promised Land into which God was bringing them symbolizes the glorious life and victory in the Spirit. The life that God wants you to live, a life of victory, a life of overcoming.

Israel faced battles along their journey. Israel struggled with their "wilderness experience." Israel experienced deep lapses in their faith. Israel could not get to their Promised Land until they put their full reliance upon the Lord and took the Land by faith..

As Israel traveled from slavery to freedom, so we too, as Christ followers, are on a journey from sin-bondage to glorious freedom in Christ.  As Israel faced battles along the way, so we too face many challenges and struggles as we journey through the wilderness.  As Israel struggled in the wilderness, so we too often struggle with periods of unbelief and failure in our lives.  

Ultimately, Israel could not take possession of the Promised Land unless and until they took it by faith.  They had to come to a place where their full reliance was upon the LORD.  So, we too must place our full reliance upon God if we are to get out of our wilderness experience and take the land of victory God has promised.

The good news is that we don’t have to fight for ourselves.  The Lord Himself will fight for us.  Just as He promised Israel that He would “go before them” and “fight for them,” so we too have this same great promise from God through Jesus Christ. One notable passage that emphasizes God's role in fighting for us is found in Romans 8:31 (ESV), which says, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" This verse reminds us that if God is on our side, nothing and no one can ultimately stand against us. It assures us of God's unwavering support and protection in our lives.

Has God released you from slavery?  Have you been bogged down in a “wilderness experience?”  Be of good cheer!  Your faith in God can deliver you into the Promised Land of spiritual victory.  Simply repudiate your unbelief and place your full reliance upon Him.  He will go before you and He will fight on your behalf!