God's Battle Plan

The Philistines arrived and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. So David asked God, "Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will You hand them over to me?" The LORD replied, "Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you." (1 Chronicles 14:9-10 NLT)

How often in life do we face something that seems like a "battle."  We struggle in school with academics, relationships, and extra-curricular activities.  We struggle at home with our parents/guardians, siblings, and children.  We struggle to find the "right" job, get the education necessary to do that job, and the way to pay for that education.  We struggle finding the "right" one to spend our life with, then struggle against everything that tries to drive a wedge between us.  Life is filled with struggles.  We fight battles all the time.

David was getting ready to face a battle against an old enemy.  David, as a young child, had already defeated the Philistine Giant, Goliath.  Now, as an adult, the Philistines are coming back to fight David the new King of Israel.  Rather than mapping out a strategic battle plan, David turns to the One who gave him victory before: God.  He asked God whether he should even fight this battle or not.  He also asked the results.  God told him to fight, so he fought.

So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. "God did it!" David exclaimed. "He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!" So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means "the Lord who bursts through"). The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them. (1 Chronicles 14:11-12 NLT)

When we turn to God before the battle begins, rather than as a "last resort" when things go wrong, the face of warfare is completely different.  I've watched people who seem to walk through life's trials in total peace.  I've asked them how they do it.  The answer has always been the same.  Trust in God.  He will fight with you in the battles of life.  Turn to Him before the battle begins.  Then you will know whether it's your battle to fight or not.  Then you will know the outcome before you even begin.  Then you will know that He is God and you are His child.  They you will be fighting together with God rather than fighting against God.

But after a while the Philistines returned and raided the valley again. And once again David asked God what to do. "Do not attack them straight on," God replied. "Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army." (1 Chronicles 14:13-15 NLT)

The battles don't go away.  But neither does God.  Every time one turns up, He is ready to give an answer to us when we ask for His Wisdom.  We simply need to ask.  When we do, the victory is His...and ours.

So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. So David's fame spread everywhere, and the LORD caused all the nations to fear David. (1 Chronicles 14:16-17 NLT)