Fit for Battle

In His Word, God reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). This promise, not how we feel, anchors us in the storm. God is with us, even when the Enemy tries to convince us otherwise.

Hagar’s story, found in Genesis, demonstrates God’s faithfulness and presence even when one feels alone. Hagar was an Egyptian servant to Abraham’s wife, Sarah. When Sarah was unable to have children, she gave Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate so he could have a child. After Hagar bore a son, tension arose, and upon being mistreated by Sarah, Hagar fled into the wilderness in despair. An angel of the Lord came to her by a spring, calling her by name and assuring her that God had seen her affliction. It was there she said of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing . . . Truly here I have seen him who looks after me” (Genesis 16:13). Therefore, the well was called Beer-lahai-roi, after the God who sees.

The Israelites experienced this later too. Tired, hungry, and wandering in the wilderness, they doubted God’s provision, yet He was faithful. He was always present, leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night and providing manna, quail, and water to sustain them. Their clothes didn’t wear out and their sandals didn’t fail—for forty years! God stayed with them, even when they grumbled, doubted His care, and couldn’t see what He was doing.

Satan would have you believe God has abandoned you. He wants you to question how your story is turning out—to feel regret and shame and fear. But God promises He is ever present, and He is providing for you in ways you may not see right in this moment.

John 10:10 warns us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This enemy seeks to steal our joy, kill our hope, confuse our identity, and destroy our faith and families. But when he comes, God reminds us that He is the victor and we have been given the tools to fight these battles.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminders all throughout scripture that you are the God who sees. Remind me when I am weak that your loving kindness endures forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.