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February 28, 2000
To Chase Or Be Chased
One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you. --Joshua 23:10

I once saw a monarch butterfly turn the tables on a bird. The monarch actually chased the bird away! It was a strange sight, but understandable. This species has been protected by its Creator with a taste that makes birds sick. My guess is that it can courageously chase birds—while other kinds of butterflies are being chased.

The Lord has also equipped His children so we can be courageous in a hostile world. Although the foes we face may seem to be more powerful, we can resist them because of God's special provision. This doesn't mean He always protects His children from physical injury or even death. But when a child of God works together with God and does His will, he is unconquerable until his work on earth is done.

How do we find the protection that helps us "chase away" the enemy? By trusting and obeying God. Joshua told God's people that if they would obey the Lord, no one could stand against them (Josh. 23:10). The same God who fought for them will also fight for us. He will strengthen us to meet any challenge when we are doing what He wants us to do in the way He wants us to do it (Phil. 4:13).

Yes, the Lord will give us courage as we draw strength from Him each day.  — Mart De Haan

Though evil may surround us,
We need not fear defeat;
For when God fights the battle,
Our enemies retreat. —Sper
To trust is to triumph, for the battle is the Lord's.

Bible in One Year: Numbers 7–9; Proverbs 21:1-10
http://www.rbc.org/devotions.aspx?id=4488
© 2008 RBC MINISTRIES, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
Written permission must be obtained from RBC Ministries for any further posting or distribution.