The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. (Proverbs 21:31 ESV)
In battles, there is a right time to retreat and there is a right time to advance. Many times the enemy tries to get us to fight meaningless battles that cause us to take our eyes off the will of God. He wants us to fight battles that will we will lose because of our self-centered ambitions or feelings.
There are also times when we are to fight in spiritual battles having been equipped by the Lord. But even in those battles the outcome is ultimately in the hands of the Lord, and He is the One who is victorious. Our role is to be prepared by staying in His Word and being led by His Spirit.
Sometimes we will be called to fight and sometimes we will be ordered to stand down. Either way, our response is to simply obey.
“To me, it has been a source of great comfort and strength in the day of battle, just to remember that the secret of steadfastness, and indeed, of victory, is the recognition that “the Lord is at hand.”
- Duncan Campbell