In the Old Testament we read of kings who reigned throughout Biblical history. Unfortunately, many did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and others were listed as doing what was good and right in the sight of the Lord.

I found it interesting that even during the reign of some of the “good” kings, there were still times the nation had to fight. Sometimes God told them to fight because He would be with them and make them victorious. Other times God would tell them not to go into battle that He would take care of the situation. Unfortunately, there were occasions when the nation did not seek God’s guidance and instead charged into battle without God’s help. Those wars did not end well.

Then there is the story of David who should have been in battle with his army but stayed home and wound up committing adultery and then murder (2 Samuel 11).

Difficulties are part of life while we live on this earth, and we fight physical, spiritual, and mental battles. The battle might be ours to fight, might belong to someone else, or the battle may belong to the Lord. We need God and His direction and guidance to live a victorious life.

The other day someone posted something on social media. What was posted was true, and the person was immediately attacked. I read the comments and thought of joining in, yet I felt a check in my spirit. That battle was his, not mine. I would be fighting a battle God did not call me to fight. Far too often I have marched into a situation without seeking God’s guidance and the results were not pretty.

When people “inquired of the Lord” God directed them whether or not they should go into a battle, and He would often give them advice on how to handle the encounter (1 Samuel 30:8, 2 Samuel 5:19, 1 Chronicles 14:8-16).

Our fight isn’t against people on earth but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this world’s darkness the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. Therefore, we need to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-13), and no matter what we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, or think in our thoughts, before stepping into a battle and responding in word or deed, seek God’s wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, AMP).

Only God knows the truth of a situation and the timing of how things will be handled. To live in victory, we need to go to our victorious God.

Heavenly Father, You know the plans You have for me, plans to give me a future and a hope. I don’t know what to do, so I look to You for help. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Before I take a step forward I need Your guidance and wisdom. Please show me Your ways and teach me Your paths. You will guide me with Your plan, and afterward receive me to glory. Thank You, God, that You give victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Chronicles 20:12, Psalm 31:3, James 1:5, Psalm 25:4, Psalm 73:24, 1 Corinthians 15:57).