236. Prevail
2 Chronicles 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at tat time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers.
King Abijah of the Southern Kingdom of Judah defeated King Jeroboam and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. God delivered them into Abijah’s hand; there was a great slaughter and many fell slain. This was “civil war” between two parts of a formerly united kingdom. Israel is depicted as apostate while Judah is often more faithful to the Lord. The writer of Chronicles, inspired by the Spirit, gives the reason why Judah prevailed: “they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers.” This was a common theme through the history of Israel in the OT. Serve the Lord only and you will prevail against your enemies; turn to other gods and mix your religion and your enemies will defeat you.
This is not a direct promise for us in this context, but it is a conditional promise in the Scriptures. Rely on the Lord and you will prevail. Meet the condition of faithfulness to the Lord Jesus alone and you will prevail. This Biblical principle holds a promise for us in our spiritual battles against our spiritual enemies as well. When we are faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God we will prevail over our spiritual enemies. When we trust “other gods” we will not prevail. The Christian who “fears, loves, and trusts in God above all things” will prevail in his spiritual battles.
Of course, when an earthly army comes against us to kill and destroy it is easy to recognize the Enemy and turn to the Lord. One problem we have is that we don’t often recognize the struggles and troubles we deal with as spiritual enemies, and so we rely on other things besides God. If we see we are in some kind of trouble or dis-ease it may be a spiritual attack that needs a spiritual solution. Since we don’t always see it that way, the simple rule is to simply rely on the Lord for everything. “Seek first the kingdom.” “Him only shall you serve.” “Live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” By the help of the Spirit in us we may always keep the Lord in the forefront of our minds, and call on Him in every trouble, pray, praise and give thanks. Jesus prevailed. He gives you His victory. You will prevail.