25 Bible Verses on How God Fights Our Battles

I was out running errands the other day and heard the song “The battle belongs to the Lord” on the radio. It certainly resonated with me; I’m dealing with two overwhelming battles in my life. But honestly, don’t we all face battles every day? They may be spiritual, physical, and/or mental. Knowing God fights for us is the good news that should bring calm and peace into our battles. But how do I let God fight my battles? Do I get to sit back and watch Him work? Are there some battles we must fight on our own?

God is Fighting for Us 

So, does God fight our battles? The answer is YES! We are never “at odds” or an enemy of God. 

Our eternal God rules over it all- the worries, fears, sickness, enemies, and sin- and yes, helps us fight all our messy battles.

Battles in the Bible

There are many epic Bible stories in the Old Testament that teach us important lessons about how He fights our battles. They contain Bible verses for us to commit to our memory and store in our hearts. 

Use God’s Word as ammunition against the spiritual forces of evil (because the power of the enemy would love to see us give up in despair!)

Pharaoh and the Israelites

Our first battle story is from the Book of Exodus when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and slavery. I found an interesting part of this story in Exodus 13:17.

God knew the Israelites weren’t “battle-ready.” Therefore, He led them the long way around the land of the Philistines, through the desert, to the Red Sea.

Our God could have delivered a victory for the Israelites on the shorter route. But he factored their state of mind into His plan. 

While the Israelites complained and carried on about going through the desert, it was actually God’s tender care for them.

Lesson #1- God sees what we do not, which can lead to unexpected detours that make little sense (to us.) If He leads us through the wilderness, we can trust in His plan! 😊

Crossing the Red Sea

Moses and the Israelites arrive at the shore of the Red Sea with the full Egyptian army in pursuit. They cried out to the Lord; had He led them into a trap?

Lesson #2- When we find our backs to the wall and all seems lost, crying out to God is the right thing to do. He is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) 

Moses courageously reassures God’s people: 

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14.NKJV.

Stop… Be still… Be at peace… 

What faith Moses showed! He didn’t know how God was going to work, but He had faith and trust that He would fight this battle for them by His mighty power.

Lesson # 3- Some battles are fought by standing firm in faith and resting in His peace. He provides until He reveals His plan. 

Choose to believe in His help instead of turning to despair (losing hope), fear (running away), or impatience (jumping into the sea!)

As they arrived at the Red Sea, Moses stretched out his hand and God parted the waters. After they were safely on the other side, He made the water flow back, killing the Egyptians. 

This great display of His power caused the Israelites to put their trust in Him. Moses and Miriam led the people in song to the Lord, saying in part-

 “The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; He is my god, and I will praise Him; My Father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war [a warrior]; The Lord is His name.” Exodus 15:2-3. NKJV.

Lesson #4- Songs of praise, worship, and thanks are beautiful ways to give thanks when He brings us through trials.

Battle of Jericho

After wandering the desert for 40 years, the Israelites were allowed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. God transfers power to Joshua after Moses’ death and tells him to lead His people into the land He had promised them. 

But they had many armies to conquer in Canaan. Their first battle was at the stronghold of Jericho, but God promises them victory as long as they follow His battle plan exactly.

Joshua believed in the power of God. So when he is told to simply march around the city once for six days, they do it. On the seventh day, they march seven times, and when the priests blow a long blast on the ram’s horns, the city collapses, and they can enter.

Lesson #5- It didn’t seem plausible to take over such a fortified city by walking and blowing horns. Following this strange military maneuver was a test of the Israelite’s faith, obedience, and courage. Even when things don’t make sense, we can put our faith and trust in our God.

David and Goliath Battle 

The Philistines sat encamped and ready for war with their archenemies, the Israelites. The Israelites had lived in fear of these giants since the time of the Exodus. 

Goliath challenges the Israelites to send out their strongest warrior to fight him. The challenge went on for 40 days, but no Israelite stepped forward.

Enter David, who came to the battle site to bring food to his older brothers and ends up volunteering to fight Goliath.

David recounts all the times he has saved his sheep from lions and bears with the help of God. He is certain God will help him win this battle over a giant.

Lesson #6- Don’t let criticisms of your age or abilities discourage you. Remember your past battles that were won with God’s help. Then go forward, even if the “enemy” looms large.

David Fights Goliath

David fights Goliath with the same tools he always used- small stones, a slingshot, and trust in His God. Goliath is insulted a mere boy would come against him! 

David informs Goliath that His God will defeat him, and everyone will know that the God of Israel saves:

“For the battle is the Lord’s.” (1 Samuel 17:47) 

David then boldly runs towards Goliath and slays him with one stone to the forehead.

Lesson #7- David fought this battle with the purpose of giving God all the glory and honor. He trusted God to help him and ran into the battle. We can do the same.

Jehoshaphat Battle 

King Jehoshaphat was a noted “good” king of Judah (most were evil) who was a devoted and bold follower of God.

2 Chronicles 20 tells the story of 3 vast armies who descended on Jehoshaphat with intentions to go to war. 

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord.” v3-4.

Facing his fear, He proceeds to lead his people in prayer. He praises God for His great power-

“O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand and no one can withstand you.” v5-6.

He acknowledges the vast armies before them and confesses he does not know what to do.

 But our eyes are on you.” v12- a beautiful expression of trust!

“Hear me, O Judah…Believe in the Lord your God and you will endure.” v20.NKJV.

Lesson #8- When our hearts are devoted to God, our response to an impending spiritual battle can look like Jehoshaphat’s- to seek God, fast, praise, and pray. Tell Him you don’t know what to do next. And then keep your eyes on Him! Let His strength help you overcome your fears and weaknesses.

The Battle is Not Yours Verse 

God’s answer to Jehoshaphat’s prayer comes through a prophet who relays this message from God: 

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (v15) 

Jehoshaphat and the people bowed down and worshipped God. He appointed men to sing and praise Him as they went out ahead of the army. As they sang, God set ambushes against the invaders and they fought each other to complete destruction! 

When the Judean army and Jehoshaphat arrived, the entire armies before them were dead.

Lesson #9- We might not have the word of God coming straight from a prophet’s mouth, but we have the entire word of God at our fingertips. All the wisdom we need to fight our battles is in there. Let His promises and His strength help you overcome your fears and weaknesses. Fight your battles with faith, singing and praising our mighty God.

Bible Verses about Battles 

Besides the verses from these Bible stories, here are 12 more to encourage you with God’s protection and strength.

Psalm 34:17

 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

Romans 8:31

 “If God is for us, who can be against us?

Isaiah 41:10

 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 43:2

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Psalm 27:14

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

1 Peter 5:6

 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may lift you up in due time.” NKJV.

Deuteronomy 33:27

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you.” (Don’t you love this visual of Him holding you in His arms in the midst of trouble?)

Psalm 46:7

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” 

Ephesians 6:10

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Hebrews 12:29

“Our God is a consuming fire” [meaning He can conquer any enemy we face.]

Psalm 18:39

“You armed me with strength for the battle.”

Hebrews 13:5

 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Victory Belongs to the Lord 

Psalm 21:31

 “Victory rests with the Lord.”

1 John 5:4

 “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

Deuteronomy 20:4

“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:57

 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Bible Verses about getting Knocked Down and Getting Back Up 

Rest in this assurance when our battles leave us bruised or broken:

Proverbs 24:16

 “For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he rises again.”

Lesson #10- Our battles will bring stress into our lives. Trusting in the presence, power and victory of the Lord means our difficult situation can not crush us or leave us in despair.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

How to Let God Fight Your Battles 

Battles are a part of everyone’s personal experience. Sin entered our world and continues to wreak havoc on marriages, families, churches, our finances, health- you name it. 

But as Christ’s followers, we have the promise that we will never be alone in our battles. He is with us every step of the way, and can use them for good (growth, change, surrender, and warrior skills!)

Ultimately, we fight our battles with God and His divine power at our side to give Him all the glory and honor. The outcome is always what He has planned.

The Lord will go before you and fight for you. He’s leading the way into battle, and yes, we must follow. He’s giving us the courage and strength, wisdom, and knowledge to help us take our next steps.

I don’t want to fight my battles any other way, do you?

Pray for all these things and watch Him work. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Praise and worship Him for what He has done and what He can do. Take refuge in the hope we have in Jesus. ♥

Let God fight for you and know the battle is already won!

Blessings in the battle,

AnnMarie

If you prefer a print out of the lessons and Bible verses from this post, they are available on my free Resource page! Just click on the image below…

Would you like to go deeper into this study? Here’s a worksheet with four reflection questions for you on how God fights our battles. Click on the image to download and print.

All Scripture is taken from the NIV version unless specified otherwise.

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