My bests friend Cliff’s Slip-n-Slide converted his backyard into a portable waterpark.
“So when I fight I’ll fight on my knees / With my hands lifted high. / Oh God, the battle belongs to you. / And every fear I lay at your feet. / I’ll sing through the night, / The battle belongs to you.”- Phil Wickham
“This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the deliverance the LORD will give you.”- 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 (NIV)
Long before the days of themed indoor waterparks, two options presented themselves in my hometown of Evergreen Park, IL. The first, located about 1/2 mile from my house, was Evergreen Aqua Park. This sprawling outdoor complex consisted of three pools, stretching almost a block in length. But membership required an initial ‘bond’ purchase plus a yearly season pass.
Consequently, I chose the much more attractive second option. The Slip-n-Slide in Cliff’s backyard – right next door! So, we simply unrolled the bright yellow slide, attached the garden hose, and turned on the water. A great way to cool off on a scorching summer afternoon! And the price was right.
In the last chapter (“God Fights for You”) of Glory Days, Max Lucado cites this promise of God. Recorded in Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV), it reads:
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ ”
Certainly, that last question, minus the preceding statement, troubles us. Because we know the answers. People lie, deceive, bully. Most significantly, Max observes, Scripture asks a different question. That question focuses squarely on the Lord as your helper.
The Greek word for ‘helper’ in Hebrews 13:5-6 is boetheia. It consists of boe – ‘a shout’ and theia – ‘to run.’ Hence, when you fight on your knees, with hands lifted high, God comes running with a shout. Above all, He not only stays with you, but God fights for you.
Therefore, Pastor Lucado exhorts, take a moment to let those last four words sink in. God fights for you.
God. The Supreme Ruler runs interference and provides cover. In addition, Max states, He’s impeccably perfect, tirelessly strong, and unquestionably capable. Furthermore, God . . .
Fights. He deploys angels and takes down Goliaths. He commands the weather.
For. No matter who or what stands against you, however difficult, God takes up your battle.
You. Regardless of the negative impact of past events or encounters, God fights for the yous of this world. And you are a you!
In 2009, Evergreen Aqua Park’s initial bond fee stood at $295, while a season family pass cost $365. A hefty price to pay for three months of weather dependent use. The reality? Financial commitment exerted ultimate control. Warm, sunny days compelled a family to get their money’s worth.
As a result, Max counsels, we must take care to discern God’s voice:
“Glory Days require an ongoing trust in God’s Word. Wilderness people trust Scripture just enough to escape Egypt. Canaan dwellers, on the other hand, make the Bible their go-to book for life. . . . Canaan is loud with enemy voices. The devil megaphones doubt and death into our ears. Take heed to the voice you heed.”
Finally, Mark Batterson once noted that the knees on his father-in-law’s pants always gave out first. Because Pastor Schmidgall spent so much time on them in prayer. With hands lifted high, pray like it depends on God. And as you work like it depends on you, rest in the cool confidence that God fights for you.
