Ready for Battle

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. Exodus 13:17-18

The Exodus of the children of Israel out of Egypt is such an incredible account! Before they ever left Egypt, God had revealed Himself in so many powerful ways, and He had made it very clear whose side He was on. Though many terrors came upon Egypt, in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were living, scripture tells us that the people were protected from at least some of the plagues. And now they were free, having walked right out of Egypt because God had delivered them!

Now they are on their way to the Promised Land, and God is leading them. The Bible says that they were prepared for the battle. (Some translations state that the people marched out of Egypt in battle formation.) God could have taken them the short way, but the Bible tells us that He took them the long way. Why? Because He knew they might turn back if they were faced with the prospect of war. So even though the people may have thought they were ready for battle, the Lord protected them from this test of their faith. They would face plenty of challenges later on, and they would eventually need those battle preparations, but for now, God took them around the battle.

I am reminded of the old cartoons here... I picture the little guy who thinks he's big, marching out to meet his opponent, armed with a little cork gun. But behind this little guy is a big guy, holding onto his shirttails, keeping his little friend from getting into a fight he's not really ready for...

I think there is an important lesson to be learned here. God wants us to be prepared. He's given us spiritual armor for our protection and His Word as a weapon. When the battle comes, He wants us to be ready. Fortunately, God loves us and cares for us and often takes us around the battle. He protects us from those things He knows we aren't ready for. But He wants us prepared!

Whatever trial you're facing today, I want to encourage you: God is aware of your situation. It has not taken Him by surprise. He could have taken you around the battle. If He hasn't, He must know that you are ready, even though you may not feel like it. But trust His love for you. He has already given you what you need for the battle, and He will stand with you and fight.

If you are not in the battle today, thank God for protecting you from it. Enjoy the time of rest, but don't become slack, thinking God will always take you around the Philistines of life. Take this time to get prepared. Put on that armor. Draw your sword. Get used to the feel of it, because the day is coming when you're going to need it, so be ready!

If it seems like God is taking you the long way around today, do not be discouraged. Maybe you're tired of waiting. Maybe it seems like He's being slow to answer. I want to encourage you: walk patiently with Him through this time, comforted with the knowledge that He knows what you're ready for.

...Just a thought...

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17