Lesson 177: Victory Through Faith

  
Pastor J. W. Binion
Pvt. Edward F. Arthur Camp 1783 SCV
5th Ky. Infantry CSA

Victory Through Faith Deuteronomy 20:3-4 (NIV) – He shall say: “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid, do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

I have said many times, “Fully Rely On God”; but what does that mean? The words of this passage from the Old Testament express that thought in a manner that should explain. We are told in these verses to not be fainthearted or afraid for the Lord God will protect us against the enemy.

What or who is the enemy? In today’s world that enemy comes in many forms. The enemy is actually anything or anyone that threatens the relationship between us and our Saviour. There are factors of materialism, false pride, and reliance upon the world instead of the Word. There are also false prophets, people only interested in their own self interests, and those who would cause problems within the church, families, and groups.

When we realize that the only true victory comes in our total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ it is much easier to face these enemies. As stated in the passage from Deuteronomy, “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory”; the Lord will go with us. Of course, we must have faith – believe with all our hearts – that this is true. The words of our Lord tell us that faith the size of a grain of mustard seed will move mountains – isn’t that wonderful, we can overcome the enemy if we just have faith in God.

We have all faced our own enemies recently; we have encountered problems that test our resolve and faith. None of these enemies can defeat us as long as we continue to hold to the purpose the Lord has for us. Staying on the path the Lord has for us is the key. We can not stray from HIS paths because of our desire to be popular, gain prestige in the eye of man, or lack of courage. Yes, our Southern ancestors did not gain victory over those other people – but, they held to their principles and belief. Our ancestors continued to believe in their cause and cling to their faith in Christ – the surrender at Appomattox did not signify defeat of their faith. We can not allow the desires of the enemy to keep us from fulfilling our mission. Stay strong in the faith; stay clear in what the will of God is for us; and keep working for the glory of God – not for man’s honors and rewards.

We can reach the victory if we hold strong to our faith, pray for each other continually, love each other (regardless of individual faults), and be ready to forgive each other for our short-comings. As Christ forgave those who persecuted Him – we must be open and ready to do the same. Place Christ at the head, others before self, and seek the face of God – we will overcome. Peace, Grace, and Mercy to you all; Pastor J. W. Binion – Chaplain 5th Ky Inf & E. F. Arthur Camp