Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.
The Lord's Army
We live in violent times. The American Bar Association claims that crimes involving guns, drugs and juveniles are putting an unprecedented crunch on the nation's courts. Every 22 seconds someone in the United States is beaten, stabbed, shot, robbed, raped or killed. Nearly two million people every year become violent-crime victims.
Lot lived in violent times as well. Fortunately, he had an uncle with his own private army. When Abraham learned that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had been conquered and all their people taken captive, including his nephew, Lot, he armed his private militia. In a brilliant piece of military strategy, he overtook the enemy forces and surprised them at night. When morning arrived, the adversary was on the run and all were rescued, including Lot.
Most of us do not have relatives who can muster a private army. But Christians have something even better--we have the Lord. The psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7). And again God's Word reminds us, "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Ps. 91:11). Every believer dwells in the midst of God's protective care as represented by His angels.
When you find yourself beginning to be afraid, remind yourself that God's army is with you. God's angels stand guard over you. No enemy can ever truly harm you. The mighty army of the Lord has your safety as its responsibility. Don't be afraid. Remember Psalm 56:3: "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."
Our safety rests not in the ability of man but in the army of God.