To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Catholic Men's Devotionals, Week 5 – Independence Day: Real Freedom
When you go forth to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people, and shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint; do not fear, or tremble, or be in dread of them; for the LORD your God is he that goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
Deuteronomy 20:1–4
As men, we face many battles in our daily living. If Christ is not the center of our lives, we will surrender to fear and ultimately fall short of victory. We are weak, but God is strong. With his help we become winners who move forward against the enemies that assail us. We fight with his power flowing through us, knowing that it has no limit.
We need to put aside our impulse to fight with our own strength, and accept that the Spirit of God will win the victory in and through us. We must act, but in the end God gives the victory. Yes, we may stumble along the way, make selfish decisions, and sometimes lose sight of the source of our strength. But God calls us to surrender to his never-failing care, remembering that we are servant soldiers following his lead as we wage the war to overcome evil.
Questions for Reflection
What does real victory in Christ look like, and how has it manifested itself in your life?
How can you yield more fully to the reality that God will never forsake you?
What specific battles in your life are you facing today? Where do you need to ask for God’s help?
Praying with Scripture
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Jos 1:9)
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