Victory In Jesus (Sun Tzu 3:10) (Eccl.4:12; Eph.4:5; Romans 8:17; Ps.116:7; Ex.14:13; Judges Chap 6 and 7; Col.3:12-17)

While some may know the outcome well,
And some perceive – they just can tell,
Some others first must calculate,
In order to predict the state –

Of things once dust and smoke are gone –
One side or other side has won;
Just who will take the victor’s crown?
Which side, alas, will be put down?

Five ways, or points, or factors here,
Conditions, circumstances – clear
To any giving scrutiny,
Essential are – that’s plain to see.

Together they make up the way
(Or Tao) of knowing – clear as day –
Which side will win; which side will lose;
Before they meet – ahead you’ll choose.

A braided cord – five strands appear;
If you’ve all five a win is clear –
If other one has less than five,
He needs another way to thrive.

First, knowledge of just when to fight,
Or can, for that must be in sight
To see a possibility –
Then battle there if it can be.

Of course reverse is also true
For he must see what not to do –
Refrain from fighting; beat retreat;
And sense no possibility.

The second strand relates to size –
The one whose strength can realize
In numbers, skill, both large and small
(Display or use) – aware of all.

When use of troops is flexible,
In circumstance quite capable,
That strand is strong, will help him win;
Such strength is known ’fore he begins.

Third strand relates to unity –
Cohesion that has come to be
Throughout the rank and file of men,
To which all wills and spirits bend.

United purpose motivates;
The same desire each stimulates;
From lowest man to highest king,
A common moral-cause they sing.

Strand four – preparedness – its use
(For having none there’s no excuse),
But mixed with patience it goes far,
For actions which surprise they are.

To “wait” and “lie in wait” relate;
It pays when you’re prepared to wait
Until they’re unprepared to face
The prudent leader’s patient ways.

Strand five – commanders – are they good?
Is art of war now understood?
Can skill without constraint be used?
King’s interference won’t confuse?

For skill can only profit one,
Once operations have begun,
If governments don’t interfere,
So victory’s lost which once was near.

Three strands, like five, in Scripture’s seen,
To illustrate how strength has been
Increased when strands lie side-by-side,
Endure the strain as they abide.

“Return to rest, my soul”, He said,
Like dog to hearth, by owner led;
My strong emotions told to “sit”,
For actions then just didn’t fit.

That cost a lot for me that time,
But he was right – that Leader mine –
Christ knew just when to fight or not,
And in the end He victory got.

Like Gideon that fateful night,
Reduced his men to handful tight;
Caused panic in marauding troops,
And then he let the others loose.

“I act as I see Father act”;
“One hope, one faith, baptismal fact”
Of unity, with gifts entwined –
Christ’s body’s linked with Savior’s mind.

Of ministers Christ sent five types,
To build folks up, equip them right,
So better way of doing things
Might patience to the discourse bring.

“Authority in heaven and earth,
Is given to me reflecting worth
As your commander in the field,
To whom the evil-one will yield.

“So competence, unfettered power,
Will triumph in approaching hour;
If you will Spirit-Walker be
You’ll see the victory in Me.”

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