Facing the battle

“Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered!! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” Isaiah 8:9-10
As we look back through history, both ancient and modern, we see that the nation of Israel has endured some pretty horrific battles – wars where she should have been obliterated many times over, fights where she was vastly outnumbered by her enemies. Yet the nation still exists today – and not only exists, but thrives. The only explanation for this is because God is on her side. The nations of the world can plot and scheme all they like; they can build up troops and weapons, but if they attack Israel, they will lose. God has a plan for the end times, and Israel is at the centre of that plan, not least of which because He longs for them to come to salvation.
While the church does not replace Israel in terms of receiving her blessings as a substitute, she can share in Israel’s blessings, by faith. One can look at the co-ordinated attacks by various anti-Christian groups, and wonder how the church can survive in today’s environment in certain cities and certain parts of the world. But the Bible promises that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isa. 54:17) – be they physical or spiritual weapons. Throughout history, God has always ensured that at least a remnant of His people have survived. So if you are facing opposition today, don’t despair – God is with you, and He will bring you through.