Last week's devotion explored a battle between Judah and Israel, at a time when King Jeroboam led the people of Israel away from God's ways.

Even though Judah was outnumbered, King Abijah didn't back down. The enemy had him surrounded from the front and back. But with God on His side, he marched boldly into war. God defeated Jeroboam when Judah raised their battle shout.

Sometimes I can get so blindsided by the unexpected that I forget to cry out for God's help. By having key verses from God's Word in my mind and heart, I can be ready when challenges happen.

Let's develop a battle shout arsenal filled with powerful verses today. I've shared a few here to get us started.

Below are 5 Scriptures we can call out when we feel like we’re surrounded in battle. These words represent different times in the Bible when men faced insurmountable odds. The words held power then, and they still do today.

1. "But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him." 2 Chronicles 13:10 ESV

(Spoken by the king of Judah in the battle against King Jeroboam.)

2. "Help us, O Lord, our God, for we rely on you..." 2 Chronicles 14:11

(Spoken by Asa, king of Judah, in war against Ethiopia.)

3. "Do not be afraid...for the battle is not yours but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15

(Spoken by Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, when Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir came against Judah.)

4. "Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed." 2 Chronicles 20:20

(Spoken to the people of Judah by King Jehoshaphat before going to battle against Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.)

5. "Shout, for the Lord has given you this city." Joshua 6:16

(Spoken by Joshua at the battle of Jericho, before the walls came down.)

Let’s commit one of these to memory this week and add it to our arsenal of weapons when circumstances rage around us. God’s Word is the best protection.

Blessings,

Kristine

For more ways to be equipped for battle, check out this post on how God hears our battle shout.

I’m a list-making machine. I even have a file folder on my desk marked, “To-Do Folder,” in big Sharpie letters. I often plan out months in advance, making sure to prioritize urgent needs or time-sensitive projects.

Balance.

I need it. I crave it. Especially with working full-time, writing and speaking commitments, and wanting to keep God and family first.

So what happens when struggles postpone your plans?

Whether it’s an unexpected illness, a family member who needs you, or an extra project at work piled on your desk, life’s interruptions can derail our perfectly laid-out plans.

And honestly, that sends my emotions spiraling. But I’ve recently learned a few tips to help keep a godly perspective when struggles postpone my plans. Here are three tips to help us during those challenging times.

1. Go with the flow.

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way, though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand,” (Psalm 37:23-24 ESV).

Photo courtesy of Garrett Brown

It may not seem reasonable to think God would allow a struggle to place a pause in our path. But many times throughout Scripture, God allowed circumstances to lead his people in a new direction. This sometimes even caused a diverted course, leaving their original plans to be postponed.

God can do the same for us. And when we accept His sovereign direction, we learn to go with the flow. We also find glimpses of God at work, even in the waiting.

2. Release the guilt.

My husband is having to do all the dishes and laundry. I can’t attend my son’s band performance this week. Physical limitations and temporary illness can keep us away from our usual responsibilities.

We must let go of guilt over not keeping up with our normal work load in these times. Relax. Rejuvenate. This just may be the indicator we needed to put a little rest into our agenda.

3. Look for the God moments. You will find them.

God’s grace and mercy will show up in the simplest of moments. God doesn’t always work in grand gestures. And as we keep our eyes open to His presence in and through our lives, we will see His love and care in the midst of our situations.

An unexpected letter of encouragement from a friend. A kind email, acknowledging a job well-done. A heartfelt call expressing gratitude. God is in all of these and much more. We only need to pay attention.

Have struggles in your life lately caused some important plans to be postponed? Let’s take a deep breath together and trust God’s timing today.

What we experience in the waiting will bring us into a deeper, more faith-filled relationship with our Loving Father.