Next we set out on the route to Bashan, but King Og of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet us in battle at Edrei. The LORD, however, said to me, “Don’t be afraid of him because I have already given him, his whole army, and his land to you. You will do to him exactly what you did to King Sihon of the Amorites who lived in Heshbon.” So the LORD our God did indeed give over to us King Og of Bashan and his whole army, and we struck them down until not a single survivor was left.
Deuteronomy 3:1-3 NET
Israel was on the march, heading toward the Jordan River and the Promised Land. But there was an obstacle in the way. King Og and his army were marching out to meet them. And not to welcome them to the neighborhood. There was going to be a big fight.
The Israelites might have been anxious about their ability to overcome Og and his army. Yet, God reassured them, not because he would grant them victory, but because he already had. God had already given Og, his army, and his land to Israel.
If the story ended there, it would be tempting to think there was nothing left to do beyond settling down in the land. But it wasn’t as easy as that. They would have to fight to obtain what God had already given them. And fight they did. And God did indeed give them victory.
Today, God tells us he has given us victory (1 John 5:3-5). But, like he did with Israel’s fight with Og, he often expects us to participate in the battle. God does not need our help. Any more than a human parent needs the “help” their young child provides. But he involves us in what he is doing to help us grow and develop.
When God calls you into battle, trust that he has already given you the victory. All you need to do is claim it. It may be hard and challenging. And the battle may be costly. But, if you are faithful to the one who called you, victory is already yours.
