The Lord answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. (Psalm 20: 1-5)

We are to trust in God. Is trusting the means to victory? The psalms often read that way.

In my experience trust in God is an end, not a means. Being able to give up my pride, desire for control, especially my fear and to have confidence in the love of God is a great struggle. Achieving this trust - even momentarily - is a great victory.

The Hebrew for trust, batach, can also mean to be secure and to be bold. When I can bring myself to trust in God I may also feel more secure and act with greater boldness. This attitude and intention may produce other derived victories.

In classical warfare the capture of an enemy's capital was often the decisive battle: take the center of control and other resistance would collapse. Paradoxically, the greatest victory may result from giving up control.

Above is Calculated Victory by Shawn McNulty.