The Secret of Our Success

“Joshua captured all these kings and their land in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” (Joshua 10:42 CSB)

The Canaan Campaign was a sparkling success. The Israelite army defeated one city after another and several alliances of kings across Canaan. Joshua was in command of the army, and his leadership was stellar. His victories and exploits were huge and legendary. And what is so remarkable about all this is that the Israelite army had just come in from 40 years of wandering in the desert as a nomadic people, mostly herdsmen. They had fought a few battles prior to crossing the Jordan and had won them, but in Canaan they were going up against some of the best warriors around.

One verse in Joshua’s book explains the secret of their success. “The Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” The Israelites were not better warriors or better equipped or stronger. They were successful because their God was the sovereign God of the universe, and this God fought for them and enabled their victory. He did this because of His promises to Israel and to the forefathers of the Israelites, and because these Israelites were obedient to Him, carrying out all of His commands.

Christians are involved in a “spiritual warfare,” a campaign against the evil one and the kingdom of darkness. Our strength is insufficient for this task. Our abilities fall short of what is needed to win. In fact, it is not even possible for us to win this fight in the strength that we have. The only possibility for success is for the Lord to fight for us, and for us to then engage the enemy alongside God and carry out His commands, His command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and to disciple the nations. The work of the Holy Spirit is the secret of our success.

Lord, All glory and honor to You, for Your power and strength are sufficient for anything and everything we need to experience this victory You promised. Amen.