In 2 Chronicles 32, Israel faced their Assyrian enemies even as they struggled to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem under the direction of godly King Hezekiah. Hezekiah encouraged them by saying, “There is a power (Jehovah God) far greater on our side! (The Assyrian enemy) may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” (vs 7-8 NLT)

Judges 20 tells the horrifying tale of gang rape and murder committed by men from the tribe of Benjamin in Gibeah. The other tribes of Israel united to attack Gibeah and see justice done. They sought the Lord for guidance and won the victory. And they encouraged one another in the battle. (Verse 22)

We as believers are also in a war against a depraved enemy. We see its evidence all around us. But it is not a war against people. We are to love people and bring them the gospel as Christ’s ambassadors. Our fight is against the powers of darkness, against Satan who stalks about like a ravenous lion, lying and murdering. Jesus came to destroy Satan’s works and we must continue to do the same as we advance God’s kingdom and see his will done on earth as it is in heaven. We fight, standing strong in his authority and in his power, clad in his armor.