1 Samuel 17:47: “Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and
spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
When King George VI gave his Christmas address to the British people in 1939, World War II had
just begun. The German armies had conquered northern Europe and a long war lay ahead. In his
speech the king quoted these words from a book by M. Louise Haskins: “And I said to the man
who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And
he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you
better than light and safer than a known way.’”
As David faced the prospect of confronting a seasoned warrior nearly twice his size and vastly
more experienced in battle, he also knew where to place his faith—not in the security of swords
and spears but in the power of God. David knew that his skill would not save the day. Instead, the
Lord would be the deciding factor. It was His battle.
Life is filled with giants that are bigger than we. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles can dog our
every step. But when faced with overwhelming odds, it’s comforting to know that the outcome
doesn’t depend on us. Of course, we must be obedient and do our part. Whatever skills or gifts
that God has given us must be used. But having put forth our best efforts, we can be assured that
God will be the One who ultimately determines the battle’s outcome.
Rest in the knowledge that the battle is the Lord’s. He is the One who gives the victory.
THE LORD’S BATTLE IS OUR VICTORY.