Are you in a battle right now?

Do you need to be brave, but it’s really hard?

Your heavenly Father knows exactly what you are facing, and He is not shaking His head and wishing you would just hurry up.

He is not exasperated with you or wishing you were different—or better or more capable.

He knows the challenges you are facing, and He rejoices even when you take very small steps of bravery. If the small steps are all you can take today, you are doing well. 

The Bible calls God a warrior. He knows everything that can be known about battles, wars, how the enemy works, how many lies are told by fear, and what it means to contend for His promises. 

If you are facing a battle today, this is the Lord’s heart for you:

The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. (Josh. 21:44–45 NLT)

Your loving heavenly Father wants to give you rest on every side.

He wants to help you conquer all your enemies.  

He wants to fulfill all His promises to you. One day you will look back and see that everything He spoke to you came true.

But—today—you need to stand your ground and not run away.

Sometimes following the Lord looks like following Him into battle. We need to be willing to trust Him even when He directs us to pull our sword and fight the bad guys trying to take us out.

To reach Joshua 21:44–45, Israel first had to be brave and go to war. This was not an easy decision for them. In fact, a lot of them said, “No way! This is terrifying, and we are not going to take this risk.”

But the ones who chose to trust the Lord saw miracles.

God fought for His people. He joined them on the battlefield, and they took possession of the good land He had told them about. Everything He promised them happened, and they experienced rest on every side. 

When the Lord puts something special on your heart, be brave and go after it, even if it’s hard or something you’ve never done before—like get married or start a new ministry or apply for a promotion at work.

“Lord, I am scared to take this next step, but I know what You are saying to me, and You are more important than my fears.” 

“Father, this is tough for me. I will have to learn how to trust You more, but that is what I am willing to do.”

“God, I’ve never done this before, but I know that You’re with me.”

If you are in a battle today, don’t be afraid. He will be with you the whole way, and He will help you conquer your enemies. If He has given you a promise, let Him have all your trust, and expect to see His goodness. Joshua 21:44–45 will be waiting for you on the other side.

Your heavenly Father loves you more than you realize! For more about His amazing, unending love, check out Becoming the One by Salomé Roat. Click here to learn more. The book is also available in Spanish.