“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.”  Daniel 12:1

When ancient armies entered into battle, they sought to secure evidence that the gods favored them and would give them victory.  Military leaders offered sacrifices, even consulted the flight of birds and the entrails of animals for clues that might point to a coming success.  Armies brought soothsayers with them onto the battlefield so that they could interpret these signs.  Imagine how the hope of victory would energize a soldier.  When he was assured of success, he dared become bold with his sword.

God is gracious to reveal that the ultimate outcome for every single believer is victory, not defeat.  It is for salvation, not wrath.  This builds confidence into my steps today.  The gates of hell shall not prevail against me when I follow Jesus because, not only am I armed with the sword of the Word, but Jehovah Sabaoth and His armies of angels have my back.  I may suffer, appear to lose a skirmish or two, but victory is written into the storyline of every child of God.

The evangelist, Jack Wyrtzen, signed every letter “On the Victory Side.” He believed it and traveled to Eastern bloc countries with the Gospel by smuggling bibles behind their iron curtain.  He was willing to lose his life if discovered but death wouldn’t have been a defeat.  Knowing that, he enjoyed spiritual adrenaline.

He would encourage us today to shun fear and walk confidently.  Having traveled extensively to visit missionaries on the field, he heard many miracle stories.  They told him about God’s angelic interventions when they had faced life threatening situations.  And, I’m sure he told them of his divine encounters when he had crossed borders into communist countries.  Sometimes, Bibles had been in clear sight but customs officials were blind to them.

This is the time to make our boldest advances for the kingdom.  Time after time, God delivers us from the schemes of the enemy.  But not always!   In this life, Jesus said we will have tribulation.  At some point, we may not see Him intervene to preserve our earthly bodies.  But know this ~ martyrs are never casualties.  They are children of the King of Kings, carried safely to their eternal rest in God’s perfect providence.

I often live crippled by fear, like I don’t know who wins this present battle.  Forgive me.  I know better.  Amen.