Offense or Defense?

Posted on September 25, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“For the LORD your God is He who goes with you, To fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” — Deuteronomy 20:4

In a look at the accounts of the children of Israel’s trek through the wilderness and the crossing over the Jordan River, we see an advancement and a mostly offensive approach to gain victory by attacking the enemy. The truth is we are only attacked when we are stationary, planted and settled. There comes a time to be stationary when we are prepared for attacks, but there is also a time to advance and play offense. There are seasons in our life when we need to advance and there are times when we are to be settled.

In order to have victory, there needs to be an advancement to get that victory. It may be there’s a stronghold or habitual sin that needs to be addressed. I work in the area of addiction and I can tell you that if you don’t play offense and attack there will never be victory. In Deuteronomy 20, Moses instructs his people on the nature of battle.

“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”

Now here we have a reference to the battle the children of Israel undertook to gain their inheritance in the Promised Land. I think we can also glean on this and use it for spiritual warfare.

The important thing to note is this: are we playing offense or defense? Moses goes through a check point to divide the troops up, if you have affairs that are planned and they can be a distraction, then maybe you’re not ready to play offense. He tells them to go home and settle their affairs.

Playing offense is played best when there are no distractions, everything is focused on attacking and besieging for victory. These moments come when we are losing ground in our walk and in order to gain victory it’s time to go get it. If we are struggling in our walk, battling doubt and anxiety then maybe it’s time to travel light for a while and play offense. Victory will never come in the way of being attacked and always playing defense.

The armor of God in Ephesians 6 is a picture of a person who has girded himself for the battle. Before we can stand against the wiles of the enemy, we have to advance and gain victory. The offensive battle is one that should be fought in the trenches that God provides.  These trenches should always include the battle plan which is God’s word, the power of prayer that directs our forward steps and the accompaniment of the fellowship of seasoned saints.

So if you’re feeling defeated and are barley getting by playing defense, lighten your load, call in the troops and begin to advance to overtake the enemy and gain the victory.

I believe what was true to Israel is true to us, for we have a Great High Priest who is saying;

And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano serves with his wife Terri in full-time ministry at America’s Keswick. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 7-10 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Fight the good fight of faith, and God will give you spiritual mercies.” – George Whitefield

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7