These are the nations that God left there, using them to test the Israelites who had no experience in the Canaanite wars. He did it to train the descendants of Israel, the ones who had no battle experience, in the art of war. – Judges 3:1-2
The reason for the various enemies, challenges, trials and opposition that you see around you, is because God wants to train you in the art of war.
This Spiritual Reality is an alien concept to those whose spiritual awareness is contained within the bounds of padded pews, stain glassed windows, sacred temples or high octane religious concerts and conferences.
Because instead of a culture of indifference, passivity, victim mentality and ‘softness’, it’s a vibrant world in which the bold and courageous thrive…and a world whose dimensions have been outlined by writers such as Sun Tzu with statements such as:
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
Opportunities multiply as they are seized.
Every battle is won BEFORE it is fought.
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night. And when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
If a battle cannot be won, do not fight it.
Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment – that which they cannot expect.
Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.
Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a Warrior.
He who is prudent, and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
Don’t depend on an enemy not coming; depend rather on being ready for him.
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his Sovereign, he is the jewel of the Kingdom.
Victorious warrior win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Kill one, terrify a thousand.
Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
You must believe in yourself.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4)…we’re to put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11)…and we give thanks to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 2:14).
But remember: your adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Remember: be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
And remember: none of the opposition that you’re being allowed to face is an accident.
It’s a gloriously designed and God-ordained opportunity to train you in the art of war…and give you the joy of experiencing triumph over adversity.