We’re nearing the end of Numbers, and the people of Israel are nearing battle.

The time has come.

Israel has been wandering the desert for year upon year. They’ve learned hard lessons and watched as their parents died for their pride and rebellion. They’ve received teaching, instruction, and laws to guide them. It has been a long road, but it is time to take the Promised Land.

But the Promise will not come without Battle.

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Does that give you pause? God has given them the land, but they still have to fight for it, and they have to fight for each other.

In Numbers 31 The Lord instructs Israel to take vengeance on the Midianites for their roll in an attempt to lead the people astray, after their complete victory the Reubanites, and Gadites decide they would like to take the land there, on the wrong side of the Jordan. Moses rebukes them for attempting to dodge the coming battle, but they assure him that is not what they intend.

But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Numbers 32:17a

So not only did the Promise only come through Battle, but the battle had to not only be fought for themselves, but also for their brothers.

What are you fighting for in your life? Are you fighting the right battles? Are you fighting for the right reasons?

God cares about our inner battles, He cares about what our souls are fighting for and over. He cares about what we are up against.

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: “When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. Numbers 33:51-53

In the battle that is in our very hearts, have we destroyed all idols? Have we demolished all things that are higher than God?

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For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We’ve been called to battle, make no mistake. We’ve been called to battle in our own hearts and minds, we’ve been called to battle over the souls of man. And our weapons are not of this world, and our authority isn’t either.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19

God has so many promises, so much heritage that He has given us. He’s got so much blessing ready for our lives. But He also knows very well that we have an enemy that wishes for us to fail.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

But that is ok, because He is with us every step of the way. Just like with the Israelites up against those giants we need not fear. Keep our eyes on Him in thanksgiving and we’ll see the truth:

That we’ve got this battle, we’re good, because God has us!

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I pray this week as you read through as God spells out the borders of the land He is giving His people that you are encouraged to trample the snakes and scorpions in your own life, always understanding that the battle is His! And He has given you every authority you need to seize the promise He has given you.

Joy Aletheia Stevens

Do you want to Study Numbers with me? I’m Blogging through the Bible with Good Morning Girls!

Share what God is showing you in your study in the comments!