Joshua 11, Psalm 145, 1 Thessalonians 2

The last battle Joshua fought may have been the most intimidating to him as he faced it. The enemy army was "as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude . . ." (verse4). Why was Joshua anxious? One might think each victory would make the following battle easier for him. But when God begins to work, the enemy realizes things are serious and goes to work, too. Each battle thus becomes more intense than preceding ones. However, what Joshua and his army knew from experience was that God would win. He was their General. Only this certainty could have given them the courage they needed to fight.

We have the same certainty. And we also face escalating battles as God's victories become more numerous in our lives. But this chapter ends with the end of wars. Peace came when all the enemies were dead. We are headed toward an end of wars, too. Heaven is our reward for fighting until the last enemy is dead. But we have to remember Who our General is so we will ". . . not be afraid of them . . ." (verse 6).

Psalm 145 describes the peace after wars are over. God is the Victor and His kingdom is glorious. It is also the description of the warrior's heart. Calm can reign in the middle of chaos because of what the Lord has done. This is where our mental and spiritual focus needs to be.

Joshua and his army took the spoils of war for themselves--gold, silver, precious gems. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he has fought battles, a war even, to tell them the gospel and that they are the spoils of war for him, the great reward.

This is why we fight--to win souls who will be our joy, our "crown of rejoicing" when they are "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming." (verse 19)

Joshua 10, Psalm 144, 1 Thessalonians 1

Fight and Win. The great victory of Joshua and the Israelites over the five kings and their cities of the South land illustrates the victory of a Christian in complete obedience to God. When the Lord said, "Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand . . ." Joshua took Him at His word and and marched all night to Gibeon to engage the enemy. His faith and trust were so strong that he told the sun and moon to hold still until the enemy was vanquished. God rewarded Joshua's trust by halting the sun and moon. Then He finished off the escapees with hailstones.

Remember Past Victory. David experienced the same kind of victory. He recognized that it was the Lord who did it. And he and his kingdom lived the reward of peace and prosperity.

Anticipate Future Victory. The Christians in the Thessalonian church received great power through the Spirit when they trusted Christ. And their changed lives were a testimony to all the neighboring regions.

Just as the victories of Joshua, David, and the Thessalonians became a testimony to the world, the victory of God in our lives shows to our circle of influence what a might God we serve. But victories don't happen without battles.

How to Win:
1. Put on your spiritual armor.
2. Engage the enemy in the name of the Lord.
3. Trust Him to fight for us and win for us.
4. Believe the victory from the beginning.

Then watch what God does and enjoy the peace He gives.