“Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” (Psa. 144:1).
“Waxed valiant in fight” (Heb. 11:34).
We need more of the spirit that animated General Foch during the first World War. This was the message he sent to General Joffre when surrounded on all sides: “Outflanked on the right; outflanked on the left. Situation on the whole excellent. I am going to advance.”
We are to attack Satan, as well as secure ourselves; the shield in one hand and the sword in the other. Whoever fights with the powers of hell will need both. How shall we conquer if we do not fight?—John Wesley.
Stand forth, my soul, and grip thy woe,
Buckle the sword and face thy foe.
What right hast thou to be afraid
When all the universe will aid;
Ten thousand rally to thy name,
Horses and chariots of flame.
Do others fear, do others fail?
My soul must grapple and prevail.
My soul must scale the mountainside
And with the conquering army ride—
Stand forth, my soul!
—Angela Morgan.
God could have kept Daniel out of the lions’ den. He could have kept Paul and Silas out of jail. But God has never promised to keep us out of hard places. What He has promised is to go with us through every hard place, and to bring us through victoriously.—Hannah W. Smith.