This Is How I Fight My Battles: Learning When to Fight, Praise, or Seek Peace

Have you ever felt like you were being attacked on all sides?

Because I have this month. Between publishing challenges, ministry struggles, and a string of viruses, I found myself worn thin fighting battles I never asked for.

All the while, I was reading through Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua with my kids (not children’s versions, the real, full scriptures), and it wasn’t exactly the “feel good” read I thought I needed.

But there’s power in speaking the Word of God aloud, and in persisting even through the difficult reads. As we read through battle after battle, I began to catch truth, and even encouragement, in those stories. I started to notice patterns as well; patterns in the way God led his people into—or away from—battles.

And it made me wonder: am I fighting the right battles, in the right way?

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Devotional

Not Every Battle:

Throughout Israel's journey to the promised land, there are many, many battles. One common theme speaks to the obedience of the Israelites: if they obeyed, they had victory; if they disobeyed, they faced death. We are also told that when they allowed sin in their midst, they would fail (Joshua 7-8:29). 

But there were quiet moments that started to get my attention as well. Little things, like noticing that sometimes they fought their way through one region, and sometimes they bypassed an area entirely for the sake of peace.

Personally, I saw three main patterns when the Israelites faced an enemy. Either God called them to fight, to praise, or to seek peace. And I think these are still our three main approaches today.

To Fight:

In the book of Joshua, God reminds his people again and again to not be afraid, for he is with them. There are too many battles to list, but we repeatedly see God conquer more than Israel ever could have on their own (see Numbers 21:21-35 and Joshua 11:16-23 for a couple).

When God said fight, he also said: I am with you. The outcome was never about their strength, it was about their faith. 

Though our battles today may not be with the sword, many of us have felt attacked and have been called to stand and fight for our families or our faith, with perseverance, integrity, and truth. And in those battles, God has already declared the victory.

To Praise:

The famous battle of Jericho is an amazing example of a different kind of fighting—another tool entirely when we are facing the enemy: Praise.

In Joshua 6, God tells his people to march around the city, blowing trumpets instead of swinging swords. And it works—the walls come crashing down. 

What a beautiful reminder that when we feel surrounded, when the odds are stacked against us, we can always worship. Praise is not a denial of the battle, it’s a declaration of who has already won it. If the battle is the Lord’s, then breakthrough has already begun.

To Seek Peace:

Not every battle is ours, however. 

In Numbers 14, after Israel refused to enter the promised land, God banished them to the wilderness. Regret set in and they turned back to fight anyway. Moses warned them the Lord was no longer with them, but they pressed on—and were utterly defeated.

Later in the book, as they wander the wilderness, we see a contrast. In Numbers 20:14-21, when Edom refused them passage, they didn’t fight—they went around. In just the next chapter, they face a similar encounter and battle for the land, with victory. The people were learning to trust which battles God led them to, and to walk away from the ones he didn’t.

The Call to Discernment:

We see in Joshua 9:14 that disaster comes when we fail to seek the Lord: “They did not seek the Lord's decision.” Every battle, every time, we’re to seek the Lord.

Whatever battle you’re facing this month, I’d encourage you to pause and ask God if this is your battle. If this is your time to stand and fight, to praise and worship, or to seek peace.

Whatever his answer, you can rest in knowing that you are not alone. Behind you marches a mighty host. Obey his word, seek his heart, and remember—God can conquer more than you could ever imagine.

The battle was his to begin with, and the ending has already been written.

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Take heart, dear friends, he has overcome the world (John 16:33).

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Author Updates

As I’m learning what it means to let God lead my battles, I’ve been working on trusting him with my books as well, and I believe he has called me to an uphill battle that I know will be absolutely worth it in the end. I can’t share details yet, but I’m walking forward one step at a time. Here are a few fun updates I can share though.

✨ While I should have been focused on my current work-in-progress (the next book in the Grace Church series), inspiration took hold and I dove headfirst into a passion project. I somehow finished a first draft in…(drumroll please)...two weeks. Cue the confetti! That’s an absolute record for me, and I hardly slept for DAYS, but it was a life-giving, joy-filled rush to pursue writing as passion again, not expectation.

✨ A few weeks ago, I also had the chance to attend a book festival in Giddings, where I met many incredible readers and nearly sold out of what I had brought! I left tired but encouraged and am so grateful for all who came out and purchased books.

✨ Last thing: if you’ve read and enjoyed any of my books, it would mean so much if you’d take a moment to leave a short review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even a simple: “I love [this thing] about this book” can be a huge boost for an author. Your words mean the world to me.

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Thank you!

Thank you for joining me this month and may you find courage and peace in the midst of whatever battles you are facing. Until next time, friends!

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