When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours/, do not be afraid of them/, because the lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. (Deut 20:1, 3-12-11)

Four quick lessons on dealing with, well, life:

1) Face Reality. Don’t pretend the opposing army isn’t bigger or more powerful than they are. Acknowledge the reality of the obstacle you face.

2) Keep the faith. God is still in control. If He brings an army against you that’s bigger than yours, a challenge that is too big for you to handle, He’s wanting to get glory through it.

3) Be encouraged by past victories. The Israelites were constantly reminded of the victory over Egypt, and we need to constantly remind ourselves and our people of the past improbable victories. Because if not, we’ll forget how big God is, and how coming through for us isn’t an exception to his normal MO. It’s his SOP.

4) Don’t let the size of the army make you change tactics. God’s word is God’s word, and compromising his standards because the opposing “army” is intimidating is simply a recipe for defeat.

[Father, as we face bigger and bigger challenges, don’t let me measure the challenge against my abilities, but instead help me measure them against Your power.]