Ready in the Day of Battle

One of the decisive battles in history was fought at Crécy in northern France. It was fought, in fact, on this day in 1346. The battle pitted an English army under Edward III against the French and their king, Philip VI. After the French began advancing against the English, Edward and his forces took up a defensive position, withstood the French assault, and won the battle.

The Belgian poet and historian, Jean Froissart, wrote that the English won because they were better organized and had better leadership, but also because the French had employed about fifteen thousand crossbowmen from Genoa.

These men “were quite fatigued, having marched on foot that day six leagues, completely armed, and with their crossbows.” So, when they arrived on the scene, they were not able to fight. Their inaction contributed to the French loss.

The Bible describes how another battle was lost when the sons of Ephraim were not ready. Their archers were equipped with bows. They could have drawn on God’s promises, and trusted in Him. “Yet they turned back in the day of battle.” They failed to engage the enemy and “forgot His deeds and His miracles that He had shown them.”

Today, the Bible assures us that God has given us all we need for victory. But we must act in faith, trust Him, and put His principles into practice.

In your life, don’t turn back when you face battles. Make sure that you are strong in the Spirit and have an effective prayer life. Keep His Word. Trust in Him. And be ready to engage in spiritual warfare.