God Is with Me
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Aug 1, 2024
- 3 min read
“I don’t have to be afraid of these enemies because my God, who has done amazing things for me, is with me.”
“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 20:1 ESV
My daughter is 11 years old, not quite a teen, but in today's world, children are exposed to things that make them want to act older than they are. As a parent, I fight every day to keep her from hearing and seeing things I don’t think she’s ready for. I’m so fearful for what she’s going to have to face growing up in this world.
The Israelites were fearful too. They faced much more serious threats, threats they were wholly unprepared for. They didn’t have the resources that the other armies had and weren’t trained for battles. But God commanded them to face these battles and to do so without fear. Why should they fear when their God was with them? The very same God that brought them up out of the land of Egypt.
I may not be facing an army or going to an actual war, but as a parent, I’m fighting a war every day. A war against our society. Today's world exposes our children to so much sin and hate. It wants them to act in ways that are directly opposite to what Jesus taught. This world teaches our children to find their own truth, instead of leaning on God’s truth. I don’t know about you, but just like the Israelites, I’m extremely unprepared and under trained to fight in this war. But God gave us a command. You shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you.
When I don’t know how to help my daughter work out problems with her friends, God is with me.
When I don’t know how to talk to her about serious issues, God is with me.
When she faces problems at school, bullies, anxiety, and wanting to fit in, I am untrained to help her. But God is with me.
I don’t have to be afraid of these enemies because my God, who has done amazing things for me, is with me. Knowing God is there in the war with me brings so much comfort.
He’s with you too, in your war.
Action Steps:
Do you find it difficult to trust that God is with you? He may not have done a major miracle like leading you out of slavery, but He HAS done great things in your life. Take a few minutes to reflect on what those things are. Make a list and hang it somewhere in your house as a reminder.
What battles are you currently facing in your war against today’s society? Ask God to be with you in your battles and give your fear over to Him, who will bring you comfort.
Prayer: God, raising my children is a bigger task than I’m trained for. I don’t know how to be a mom. I don’t know how to be what You called me to be. But You’re there with me. I won’t be fearful or bow to this world because I know I can lean on You. I’m so thankful for that support. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Written by Cathrine, unprepared mom of 4