Who through faith…escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle. (Hebrews 11:34)
We have seen that by trusting in the Lord, His people "subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire" (Hebrews 11:33-34a). Other testimonies indicate that there are still more consequences of accessing grace through faith.
By faith, some of God's servants "escaped the edge of the sword." The prophet Elisha experienced this. The king of Syria sent his army to encompass the city. "There was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?'" (2 Kings 6:15). Elisha saw the true situation by the eye of faith, so he prayed. " 'LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17). Then, the Lord struck the enemy forces with blindness and delivered His people.
Others of God's people "out of weakness were made strong." King Jehoshaphat showed what this meant. "The people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others…came to battle against Jehoshaphat" (2 Chronicles 20:1). In weakness, the king cried out to the Lord. "We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us…but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). The Lord assured them of His victory. "The battle is not yours, but God's…You will not need to fight in this battle…stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17). Strengthened by faith and filled with expectation, they marched out to watch the enemy armies destroy one another.
Others "became valiant in battle." Samson exemplified this. "The Philistines came shouting against him. Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him…and his bonds broke loose from his hands. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey…and killed a thousand men with it" (Judges 15:14-15).
We may face many imminent threats, but we can trust the Lord to provide His escape. "The Lord will deliver me from every evil work" (2 Timothy 4:18). The Lord provides His strength, even when we are weak. "For My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our God can also make us valiant in battle. "Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day" (Ephesians 6:13).
O Lord, You are my deliverer, my strength, and my source of courage. Teach me to look to You when I am in danger, when I am weak, and when the battles rage. I long to walk by faith in the blessed consequences of Your abounding grace, Amen.
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