The Battle Is Not Yours, But God’s: How Believers Can Walk in Victory Through Every Trial
By Pastor Joel – Open Heaven Christian Church – Fisher, Arkansas
Theme Verse
“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.“
— 2 Chronicles 20:15
Every believer in Jesus Christ will face battles. Some battles come in the form of sickness, financial hardship, persecution, temptation, loss, disappointment, or spiritual warfare. While many people assume that following Christ means life will become easy, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. God often allows trials and difficulties in our lives to strengthen our faith, develop our patience, and teach us to trust Him completely.
The good news is that God never intended for His children to live in defeat. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers can walk in victory and become overcomers in every battle they face.
The Lord is expecting His children to “overcome” and “subdue”
Revelation 2:7
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
The Greek word overcome means to be victorious, To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue and comes from the Greek word “nike” which means to subdue (literally or figuratively) — conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. The verb implies a battle.
Why Does God Allow Trials?
Trials are not evidence that God has abandoned us. Often they are evidence that God is working within us to teach us so our faith can grow stronger in the Lord and in the power of his might!
James wrote:
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
— James 1:3-4
When gold is refined, it passes through fire. Likewise, God uses trials to purify our faith and teach us dependence upon Him.
Every challenge presents a choice:
Will we trust God in the trials of life?
Will we walk by faith?
Will we believe His promises we read in the scriptures?
Or will we surrender to fear, doubt, and unbelief?
God watches how we respond during our trials. He already knows the outcome, but He allows the testing of our faith to reveal what is truly in our hearts so we can know where our faith really stands.
David and Goliath: Faith Conquers Giants
One of the greatest examples of victorious faith is found in the story of David and Goliath.
The giant Goliath stood over nine feet tall and terrified the entire armies of Israel.
“And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.“
— 1 Samuel 17:24
Every soldier saw an impossible problem and backed off and ran from the problem.
David saw an opportunity for God to display His great power.
David believed God and declared:
“Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.“
— 1 Samuel 17:45
Notice the difference:
The army focused on the giant problem they were facing.
David focused on God and trusted that God would deliver him of the giant problem.
Fear says, “The problem is too big.”
Faith says, “My God is greater and bigger then this problem.”
The size of the giant did not determine the outcome. David’s “faith in God” determined the outcome.
David did not back down but faced the trial with great faith and determination, David did not back off, instead he said; You come at me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies.
The same principle remains true today. God is waiting for his children to say the same thing David said to his problem. Because of one mans faith in God, all of Israel was spared defeat.
The Lord expects his children to live by faith, and not by what they may see even if they can only see that the problem is too big for them!
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
— Romans 1:17
David’s problem seemed and looked impossible, but David trusted in the Lord and defeated his problem because his faith was strong in the Lord and he knew that nothing is impossible for his God!
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
— Luke 1:37
Faith Gives Victory—Fear Brings Defeat
Throughout Scripture, fear has caused many people to miss God’s blessings because of fear when difficult problems in life arise. Fear is a spirit that leads many down the wrong path and defeats many.
A believer in Jesus must not allow fear to rule their hearts and minds. Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith says I will trust the Lord, fear says I do not thing God can help me.
This spirit of fear must be defeated and resisted in faith because God never gives his children fear. God has given his children his love, his power, and a sound mind so they can resist all fears.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Victory or Fear?
When Israel stood at the border of the Promised Land, twelve spies were sent to examine the land.
Ten spies returned focused on the giants.
Two spies, Joshua and Caleb, focused on God.
The fearful report caused an entire generation to wander in the wilderness.
Fear prevented them from entering what God had already promised.
Faith moves forward despite obstacles.
Fear retreats and moves back because it cannot see a solution.
The Bible says:
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.“
— 1 John 5:4
Faith does not deny the existence of difficulties, it faces then head-on and defeats them!
Faith simply believes God is greater than those difficulties. No matter the difficulty, it can be anything because nothing is impossible with God and when we fix our “faith” on God because we believe God will help us, guess what? God will because Jesus also said this about believing and trusting God;
“Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
— Mark 9:23
Every believer needs to come to the understanding of what faith really is.
Faith is not just believing that God heal and help you, faith is believing that God will because you really trust in the Lord!
Jesus wants every believer to have faith strong in God.
“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”
Mark 11:22
You Are More Than Conquerors
Paul wrote:
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
— Romans 8:37
Notice that Paul did not say we avoid trouble.
Earlier in the chapter he mentions tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword.
The believer’s victory is not the absence of battles.
Victory is overcoming through Christ in the midst of the battle. God wants believers to “fight the good fight” and yes it is a good fight because the devil does not want you to activate your faith in God because the devil knows that is what defeats his dark kingdom. Believers in Jesus must begin believing and speaking what God promises.
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
— 1 Timothy 6:12
Because Jesus has already conquered sin, death, sicknesses, diseases, and hell for every believer, His followers can walk in confidence knowing that no circumstance can separate them from the love of God. The promises found in the scriptures are “Yes and Amen” because they are the will of God to them that believe! The will of God is what God promised in His Word.
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
2 Corinthians 1:20
If you are suffering in any of these areas in life, start believing and speaking the word of God and not ever believe or speak the defeat.
Are you sick in body? Speak this in faith. 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5, and James 5:14-15
Are you lacking anything in life? Speak this in faith. Philippians 4:19, Ephesians 3:20
You can start believing and speaking all the promises of God and face any giant and defeat it.
The Three Enemies Every Christian Must Defeat
Every believer faces three primary enemies:
1. The World
The world system opposes God’s truth and seeks to draw believers away from Christ.
John warned:
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”
— 1 John 2:15
The world pressures believers to conform and accept its values and beliefs.
How do we overcome the world?
Through faith.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
— 1 John 5:4
Daniel provides a powerful example.
Though surrounded by a pagan culture in Babylon, Daniel refused to compromise his faith.
Because he remained faithful to God, God honored him and used him mightily.
Victory over the world comes when believers choose God’s approval over man’s approval or ideologies that the world is offering as a solution to problems.
2. The Flesh
The flesh refers to our sinful nature that constantly wars against the Spirit.
Paul wrote:
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:17
The flesh seeks comfort, pleasure, pride, selfishness, and rebellion. The flesh includes the carnal mind that needs renewed by the word of God.
How do we overcome the flesh?
By walking in the Spirit.
“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16
Joseph provides an excellent example.
Victory over the flesh requires daily surrender to God and His Word, obedience to His Word brings the promises of God to life when we believe and stand firm trusting in the Lord.
3. The Devil
The devil actively seeks to destroy the faith of believers.
Peter warned:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8
The devil uses deception, temptation, accusation, intimidation, doubt in the word of God, and fear.
How do we overcome the devil?
Jesus showed us during His temptation in the wilderness.
Every attack from Satan was answered with Scripture.
Three times Jesus declared:
“It is written…”
— Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
Jesus is our example on how to defeat Satan. Believers must first believe the promises of God and speak them in faith to the kingdom of darkness and the devil will flee. The word of God torments the devil and he leaves because he knows that the word of God spoken in faith brings him defeat.
The Word of God remains the believer’s greatest weapon against Satan and his evil kingdom.
James wrote:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7
Victory over Satan comes through submission to God, prayer, faith, and the authority of God’s Word spoken in faith.
Will Christ Find Faith?
Jesus asked a sobering question that many overlook:
“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
— Luke 18:8
This question reminds us that faith is precious in God’s sight. Jesus is looking for people who have faith and will use their faith.
The Lord is not merely watching to see whether we experience trials, he wants your faith activated and working.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Because Jesus is the author of your faith He will strength and grow your faith so you can overcome in this life! Keep your spiritual eyes on Jesus!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
— Hebrews 12:2
Jesus is watching to see whether we will trust Him during those trials.
Will we believe His written promises in scripture?
Will we continue praying in faith?
Will we continue obeying what was promised in His Word?
Will we continue trusting even when the answer seems delayed?
God honors those who persevere in faith. Your faith pleases the Lord, without faith it is “impossible” to please God.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
— Hebrews 11:6
Give your faith time and patience and God will reward your faith and obedience!
The Ultimate Reward of the Overcomer
Jesus made an incredible promise to those who overcome:
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
— Revelation 2:7
Every battle fought in faith brings eternal reward.
Every trial endured for Christ has purpose and destiny.
Every act of obedience matters.
The overcomers are not those who never face struggles, they simply overcome them.
The overcomers are those who continue trusting Christ through every struggle or challenge.
Final Encouragement
If you are facing a battle today, remember the words God spoke to Jehoshaphat:
“Be not afraid nor dismayed… for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
— 2 Chronicles 20:15
God has not abandoned you. Jesus loves you and will increase your faith so you can overcome anything in life!
He sees your struggle.
He knows your pain.
He understands every fear and every uncertainty you may have.
The Lord is with you in the battle, and He goes before you into the battle.
The same God who delivered David from Goliath, Daniel from the lions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, Peter from prison, and Paul from countless persecutions is the same God who walks beside you today.
Do not allow fear to dictate your response. Face fear with bold faith in God.
Choose faith.
Trust His promises.
Stand upon His Word.
Keep praying.
Keep believing.
Keep moving forward.
Heaven is cheering for your victory. Your Savior is interceding for you. The Holy Spirit is strengthening you. Your Father is watching over you every moment and every step you take!
You are not fighting for victory—you are fighting from victory, because Jesus Christ has already overcome the world, and you belong to Jesus! You can be at peace no matter what giants you face!
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Stand firm in faith, and through Christ you too shall overcome.
Faith is your shield that God has given you to protect and help you in this life and God tells you to use your shield of faith now to change your circumstances in life!
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
— Ephesians 6:16
~ Blessings, Pastor Joel