Starting the Book of Joshua today--the Bible Project review had a line that jumped out at me:
"Rather, this is God's battle."
How often--almost constantly, Abba--I forget this truth. It is something I need to remind myself of all the time. I also need to remind myself that obedience to Your commands sometimes requires that I do nothing but wait and trust (and worship--as the story of Jericho shows), and at other times, it
requires that I actively work, participate, and fight in the battle. May I listen and discern Your voice increasingly well so I know which times are which!
My prayer:
O Lord, my God, how powerful are You! You are the Master Strategist in the planning and execution of this great battle between You and the forces of evil and darkness. Let me be a faithful and obedient participant in Your army, a well-trained and well-disciplined soldier, serving in any and every capacity to which You assign me. Most of all, Lord God, may my character reflect You as an ambassador of Your Kingdom.
In the meantime, Abba, there is much work in preparation and recruitment. I pray for the soul and heart of my first son-in-law, whose character often shows more Godliness and Christian virtue than many who name Your name! I pray for my daughters and for the new son-in-law, who is especially vulnerable as an immigrant and a brown one at that, to this nation. I also pray for this nation and its leaders, who do not seem to me to be following You or Your commands and yet are followed by many who claim to be Your followers. Lastly, and not least importantly, I pray for my heart and character. I see harsh edges and unattractive characteristics in myself that I feel helpless to change. Of course--because this is Your battle in my heart!
