He’s Fighting For You

Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

- Joshua 21:45

Pastor Jay Kim shared about his love for his daughter during his sermon this past Sunday. He shared that if he was an Israelite escaping slavery, he would have put his daughter on his back and swam as far as he could to save her. He shared, “I love her too much to do nothing.”

This story came to mind as I was studying the book of Joshua this past week. The book of Joshua takes place after Israel escaped captivity and jumps to their entrance into the promised land. This book showcases several military conquests God helped Israel accomplish in order to obtain the land He had promised to them. Much of the book reads like an action movie script, with hyperbolic language showing the power of a God who will conquer all for His people.

As I read through a few chapters one morning, I noticed a pattern. Before battle, God would remind Joshua to not be afraid:

“And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands.’”

- Joshua 10:8

“And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them…’”

- Joshua 11:6

And then, in each battle, God fought for his people:

“...for the Lord fought for Israel.”

- Joshua 10:14

“And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.”

- Joshua 10:42

This pattern of reminding and then fighting for them showcases the character of our Heavenly Father. Just as Pastor Jay would throw his daughter on his back and do everything in his power to keep her safe, our heavenly Father encourages His people, then He fights to protect them.

There’s a third step in this powerful pattern that I noticed a few days into my study of Joshua; a crucial piece I think is important for us to notice. 1) God told Joshua not to fear. 2) God fought for Israel. 3) Joshua did as God had commanded him and Moses.

“And Joshua did to them just as the Lord said to him…”

- Joshua 11:9

“Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did…”

- Joshua 11:15

“... just as the Lord commanded Moses.”

- Joshua 11:20

In this three step pattern, we see the beautiful relationship God intends for us to have with Him. He encourages us as a father, “Don’t be afraid, it’s going to be okay, I love you!” He fights for us as a protector and King. And then we respond with obedience, out of respect for our Father and out of trust in His great plan.

I don’t know what steps in this pattern resonate with you the most. Maybe you’ve spent so much time feeling terrified. “Am I doing enough? Can I make this marriage/job/life work?” Maybe you need to hear the voice of God telling you today: “Don’t be afraid my child. I haven’t forgotten you. It’s going to be okay.”

Maybe you need to remind yourself of the second step. God is fighting for you. Even when you can’t see him. Even when it all feels hopeless. God is fighting in ways we don’t always understand. He will show up.

Or maybe you need to remind yourself of Joshua’s obedience. Maybe you’ve fallen away. Maybe you’re struggling with sin you just can’t seem to shake. Maybe it’s time to take the hard step and do what the Lord is commanding you to do.

I don’t know what step in Joshua’s pattern is most applicable to you. But I do know the God of Israel during Joshua’s time is the same God of San Diego in 2021. I know He is your Father who loves you. He’s strapping you to his back and swimming as hard as He can through whatever storm you’re facing.

So let’s remind ourselves of these three things this week:

1. Don’t be afraid. Your Father is with you.
2. God is fighting for you.
3. Be obedient to His commands.

Cristina Schmitter

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