The wounded horse was named Drummer Boy, one of 112 mounts carrying British soldiers into battle during the famed Charge of the Light Brigade. The animal showed such bravery and stamina that his assigned commander, Lieutenant Colonel de Salis, decided his horse deserved a medal as much as his valiant men. This was done even though their military action against enemy forces failed. Yet the cavalry’s valor, matched by the courage of their horses, established the clash as one of Britain’s greatest military moments, still celebrated today.
The confrontation, however, shows the wisdom of an ancient Bible proverb: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31). Scripture affirms this principle clearly. “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4). Indeed, even against the sting of death, wrote the apostle Paul, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:56–57).
Knowing this, our task still is to be prepared for life’s tough tests. To build a ministry, we study, work, and pray. To create beautiful art, we master a skill. To conquer a mountain, we secure our tools and build our strength. Then prepared, we’re more than conquerors through Christ’s strong love.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
What battles or challenges are you preparing for now? If your victory rests in God, why should you prepare for this life test?
Heavenly Father, as I approach life’s great tests, inspire me to prepare my heart so that You get the victory.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In the ancient world, the horse and chariot were prized as superior weapons of war, a game changer in battles that determined either victory or defeat. Proverbs 21:30–31, set in the context of warfare, extols the sovereignty of God in human affairs. God’s purposes and plans will prevail, so it’s foolish to fight against or without Him. Victory and deliverance come only from God, who turns battles His way to fulfill His sovereign purposes. Despite the Egyptian’s mighty cavalry (Exodus 14:9) and the Canaanites’ many horses and chariots (Joshua 11:4–9), the forces raging against the Israelites were defeated, confirming that “victory rests with the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31). In fact, Israel’s kings were specifically warned not to put their trust in horses but only in God (Psalm 20:7; 33:16–19; Isaiah 31:1).
K. T. Sim
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