The Battles We Face: Trusting God in Times of War
"¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel." - Judges 11:4
In Judges 11:4, we read, "And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel." This verse stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and battles that each of us encounters in life. This historical account depicts a nation at war, but for us today, it illustrates the metaphorical wars we face within and around us.
Life is often a battlefield. Just as the children of Israel found themselves in conflict with the Ammonites, we too face challenges that can feel overwhelming. These battles may not be physical wars, but they manifest as spiritual struggles, emotional turmoil, financial hardships, relational conflicts, or internal doubts. The fact that these struggles happen "in process of time" signifies that they are not unexpected occurrences; rather, they are a part of the journey. In our lives, just as Israel faced opposition over time, we must understand that conflict is a normal aspect of our spiritual growth.
When we reflect on the phrase, "in process of time," we recognize that God is at work in our lives, even amid adversity. The battles we face often serve a greater purpose. They teach us reliance on God, shape our character, and refine our faith. Just as Israel had to prepare for their conflict with Ammon, we too are called to arm ourselves with faith and trust in God. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." In moments of war, be it literal or metaphorical, we can take comfort in the fact that we are empowered through Christ, inviting His presence into our struggles.
Moreover, the mention of the children of Ammon making war against Israel is also a reminder that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but rather against spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." In our modern lives, we may face not only societal and relational battles but also the spiritual battles that the enemy wages against our identity and purpose.
It is crucial that in our times of war, we do not err into believing we stand alone. God promises us in Joshua 1:9, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." In each battle, we must remember that God’s faithfulness is our greatest weapon. As we prepare for the war, we must engage in fervent prayer, immerse ourselves in the word of God, and find strength in community. God longs for us to seek Him earnestly, to rest in His promises, and to know that the battle belongs to Him (1 Samuel 17:47).
As we navigate our lives, let us not overlook the importance of our response in these challenging times. Just as Jephthah, in subsequent verses, stepped up to confront the Ammonites, we must also rise to the occasion in our battles. We can do so by leaning into God’s guidance and promises. We must remember to declare our faith in the midst of adversity—trust in the One who fights for us, who loves us unconditionally, and who has already overcome the world.
Today, reflect on the battles you face. Lift your concerns, struggles, and fears up to God in prayer. Ask Him to fortify your spirit and grant you the courage to engage in the fight with faith, knowing that every war encountered "in process of time" serves His divine purpose in shaping you into His likeness. Let us stand firm, knowing that with God at our side, every battle becomes an opportunity for changed hearts and renewed faith.
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Judges 11:4 - "¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel."
"¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel." - Judges 11:4
James 4:11 - "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."
Judges 4:11 - "Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh."
Judges 4:4
Judges 4:4 - "¶ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time."
Isaiah 11:3-4 - "And he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."
Judges 12:11 - "¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years."
Isaiah 11:4 - "But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."
1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."
Job 31:11 - "For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges."
Psalms 148:11 - "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:"
Judges 2:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"
Judges 4:4 - "¶ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time."
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
"¶ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time." - Judges 4:4
Judges 11:11 - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."
James 2:4 - "Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"
Judges 11:27 - "Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon."
Judges 17:11 - "And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons."
Judges 11:40 - "That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year."
Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."
Judges 4:15 – "The Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword."
Judges 11:28 - "Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him."
Judges 1:11 - "And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:"
John 16:11 - "Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."
"¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years." - Judges 12:11
Judges 11:1 - "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah."