God’s Awareness #7—Binocular Vision

A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory. … Behold, Yahweh’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope for his extraordinary kindness. Psalm 33:16–18

Strong and valiant warriors went down to glorious defeat at Thermopylae. Courageous and well-trained horses were not enough for Lee’s cavalry at Gettysburg. The strength of the Spartans had served them well in dozens of other battles. J.E.B. Stuart’s horses drove the Union army crazy for months. But success is not ultimately dependent on an army’s equipment or troop quality. God is sovereign over human affairs. Sometimes he works in ways we cannot see or understand. Frequently, however, he acts in response to the relationship he has with his people. Indeed, his fundamental promise to us is that if we pledge allegiance to him, he will be our deity. He is particularly interested in seeing us maintain two complementary attitudes in our hearts. Insofar as it depends on us, God grants success to those who fear and hope in him. Fear is foundational. It keeps us from acting contrary to God’s requirements for justice because our fear arises as we recognize and appreciate the dire consequences we will suffer for being disloyal. Hope for his grace, his extraordinary kindness, honors his ability and intention to do more good than we could ever ask or expect, as he demonstrates all that makes him holy. His severity and kindness frame our perception of him. Because God wants us to appreciate the fullness of his glory, he looks for people who are open to his involvement in their endeavors.

Father, my heart is completely yours. Let your gracious strength be perfectly shown in and through my humble weaknesses.