“The king is not saved by the great size of his army; A warrior is not rescued by his great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.”
Psalm 33:16–17 AMP
Have you ever felt like you were in a losing battle?
Scripture reminds us that we are not only in a battle—but one that cannot be won through human strength alone. No amount of power, strategy, or resources can ultimately secure victory apart from God. Behind what we see in the natural world, there is a deeper reality. The forces of darkness are actively working to blind people from the truth and keep them from turning to God. The Apostle John spoke of the result of choosing to reject God’s call as He gave people over to their rebellion.
“Therefore they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40“HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, TO KEEP THEM FROM SEEING WITH THEIR EYES AND UNDERSTANDING WITH THEIR HEART AND BEING CONVERTED; OTHERWISE, I [their God] WOULD HEAL THEM.” John 12:39-40 AMP
This is not an arbitrary action from God—it is the result of persistent rejection of truth. The Apostle Paul makes the source of their rebellion even clearer:
“But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; 4among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthains 4:3-4 AMP
It is striking how easily people place their trust in human systems, strength, and wisdom—yet struggle to trust in God. Our opening passage reminds us that confidence in human power is ultimately misplaced. But the Psalmist continues with a different perspective:
“Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], On those who hope [confidently] in His compassion and lovingkindness, 19To rescue their lives from death And keep them alive in famine. 20We wait [expectantly] for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.” Psalms 33:18-20 AMP
Waiting and trusting—these are often the hardest parts of faith.
We live within the limits of time and circumstance, constantly watching and wondering when God will act. But God is not bound by time—He rules over it. When the armies of Moab and Ammon came against Judah with overwhelming force, King Jehoshaphat did not panic or rely on military strength—he turned to God.
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4So [the people of] Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; indeed they came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD [longing for Him with all their heart].” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 AMP
And God’s response was clear:
“He said, “Listen carefully, all [you people of] Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The LORD says this to you: ‘Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 AMP
This same principle applies to us today. Victory is not found in striving—it is found in surrender. Even Jesus, in the midst of His greatest trial, demonstrated this:
“Father… not My will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42 AMP
So the question becomes: Who or what are you trusting in?
Your strength?
Your circumstances?
Or the God who holds all things in His hands?
Reflection Question
Where in your life are you relying on your own strength instead of trusting God to fight the battle for you?
Hang in there—the battle belongs to the Lord.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Ken