The Lord Fights for Us!
By Chuck E. Tate
"The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:14 NLT)
Life is full of big battles, chaotic challenges, and tough trials that test our faith. How’s that for a tongue twister? That’s even tough to say. Yet, the overwhelming good news for the believer is that we are not alone in these struggles.
The Bible reassures us that the Lord Himself fights for us! In Exodus 14:14, we are given a profound promise: "The Lord himself will fight for you." This verse offers hope and comfort, reminding us to remain calm, knowing that God is on our side—and if God is for us, who can ever be against us!
By reflecting on the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, we can gain powerful insights into how God intervenes on our behalf. Here are five key truths to encourage you in your faith and remind you that God fights for you.
1. God Is Always with Us
In Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites faced the challenge of being without water. Fear and doubt quickly set in, leading them to complain and question God's care. But despite their complaints, God demonstrated His faithfulness by instructing Moses to strike a rock, bringing forth water. This miracle was a clear reminder of God’s presence and provision.
Key Scripture: "At the Lord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually, they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink." (Exodus 17:1 NLT)
Just as God was with the Israelites in the wilderness, He is with us today…and His very Spirit is inside of us. No matter how dire our circumstances may seem, His presence never leaves us. Rather than letting fear or frustration take over, let’s remember God’s past faithfulness and trust that He will provide for us in our present situation.
2. God Fights Our Battles
When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, Moses instructed Joshua to fight while he went up the hill to pray with the staff of God in hand. This battle was not theirs to fight alone—it belonged to God. In our lives, we often face opposition or difficult situations, but we are reminded that the battle is the Lord's.
Key Scripture: "He said, 'Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.'" (2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT)
We, too, must remember that when we face trials, our role is to trust and obey, allowing God to secure the victory for us. As Dr. April Joy beautifully said, "Lord, help me to be so anchored in you that crisis around me does not create crisis within me."
3. God Uses What We Have
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God using what we already possess to perform miracles (e.g., a young boy’s lunch, like something from Long John Silver’s, combined with Jesus’ prayer, fed thousands). In the case of Moses, God used his simple shepherd's staff to bring forth water and to secure victory in battle. Similarly, God can take the ordinary things in our lives and turn them into tools for His extraordinary purposes.
Key Scripture: "The Lord said to Moses, 'Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you.'" (Exodus 17:5 NLT)
Whether it’s a small talent, a simple resource, or a humble opportunity, we must offer what we have to God, trusting that He will use it to bring about victory and transformation in our lives.
4. God Sends Help When We Need It
During the battle against the Amalekites, Moses’ arms grew tired as he held up the staff of God. Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his hands to ensure the victory. This story reminds us of the importance of community. We are not meant to fight our battles alone; God often sends people to support us and hold up our arms when we’re weary.
Key Scripture: "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT)
We all need a support system—those who will encourage us and stand with us in times of trial. Surround yourself with people who will help you stay strong in the Lord, and be that kind of support for others as well.
5. We Must Choose to Trust and Praise God
After their victory, Moses built an altar and named it Yahweh-Nissi, which means "The Lord is my banner." This was not just a memorial of the battle won, but a declaration and reminder to the people to trust and praise the God who gave them victory.
Key Scripture: "May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers." (Psalm 20:5 NLT)
In every battle, we have a choice: we can either focus on our circumstances or lift our hands in surrender and praise to God. By choosing trust and worship, we align our hearts with His, acknowledging that He is in control and He alone is our source of victory.
Take Heart and Remember
No matter what battles you are facing today, take heart and remember that the Lord fights for you. He is always with you, He goes before you, and He uses the simple things in your life to bring about miraculous outcomes. Stay connected to community, and above all, choose to trust and praise God, for He is faithful to secure your victory.
You got this—because God’s got you!
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14, NLT)
Chuck E. Tate is a pastor in central Illinois, cohost of Revival Town Podcast, and the award-winning author of 41 Will Come. His second book will release in January 2025.