Keys to Victory

Alexander the Great led his army across the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, intending to become the master of Asia. Encountering the mighty Persian army, he realized his forces were outnumbered. The Persians had several hundred thousand men while he had only about 45,000. On this day in 331 BC, he surveyed the landscape and developed a plan that he felt would lead to victory.

He instructed his soldiers to advance into battle in with speed, distraction, and unexpected maneuvers. He anticipated that the effect would cause terror among the Persians. His strategy worked, and his forces won a decisive battle.

The use of surprise tactics was not a new scheme. Silence – an unheard of strategy – had been employed with great success by Joshua at Jericho. He commanded his forces not to let their voice be heard “until the day I tell you.” They marched around Jericho in silence for six days. On the seventh day, they marched in silence six more times. Finally, on the seventh day, Joshua gave the word: “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city” (v. 16).

The Bible reminds us that to be victorious, we need the right strategies and plans, and we need to act at the right time. Remember, God can give you the wisdom you need, show you what to do, and when to do it. Commit your problems to Him. Seek His wisdom. Let Him guide you to victory.