They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, Naphishites and the Nodabites. They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him. So the Hagrites and all their allies were defeated.

— 1 Chronicles 5:19-20

Things weren’t looking good. The semester was coming to an end, and I was on the verge of seeing my first-ever failing grade after never even seeing a “C” before.

My mind and this course had a complete and total disconnect. Hours of study and practice problems proved pointless. There was only one thing left to do … “Help!”

I prayed relentlessly and started meeting with a super-smart kid in my class.

By God’s grace, I narrowly passed.

The people of Israel had amazing moments where they were in step with God. The passage above records one of those moments. Tucked amid the record of genealogies, we find this solid-gold scene of life with God in summary form. Instruction. Obedience. Resistance. Petitioning. Victory. Growth.

Those leading the charge were described as mighty warriors. They were pacesetters whose faith in God inspired their courage.

The Bible makes it very clear that we were all born into a battle. The devil and his fallen angels are determined to destroy anything and everyone they possibly can. Paul told the church in Ephesus to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil.

Sometimes, he tricks us into thinking life is about something else other than defeating him.

Comfort, happiness, stuff, experiences, etc. Don’t get fooled. Peter says the devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

We are living “during the battle.” It’s time to fight the good fight, cry out to God and trust in him.

Wiles is senior minister of Fall Creek Christian Church in Pendleton. He can be reached at 765-778-3166.