The story of Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:1-30) shows us how to have confidence in a crisis-- Jehoshaphat was shaken one morning when his intelligence sources came running in with the horrifying news, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. Jehoshaphat’s life and his entire kingdom were on the brink of extinction! Talk about a reason to panic!
What would you do if you heard some threatening news that affected your future and maybe your life? This godly king did the right thing. Jehoshaphat turned his attention to seek the Lord and called the nation to prayer and fasting. He did what was not automatic in a crisis: He prayed. Many times, we think of prayer as a last resort. After we have exhausted every other possibility, all we do is pray. Jehoshaphat resisted the temptation to panic, or trust his army. He recognized his great need, so he prayed. Yes, recognition of our great need should drive us to prayer.
The Apostle Paul writes that in Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Jehoshaphat starts by (20:6) reciting God’s attributes: “You are the God of our fathers” Jehoshaphat didn’t look at the approaching army but at the greatness of His God. If we fill our prayers with the greatness of our problems, we’ll shrink our faith. But if we fill our prayers with the greatness of our God, we’ll excite our faith.
A battle so big, you have no idea how to face it or a battle so unexpected, you had no time to prepare? Realize the battle is the Lord’s – (2 Chronicles 20:14- 16). We must lean into our faith walk and trust in the promise that, in the battles that are bigger than us, we rejoice that we will not have to fight them. We are assured that when we stand with God, we get to see the deliverance that the Lord brings when He fights the battle for us.
After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
‘Give thanks to the Lord, For his love endures forever’” (20-21).
This was a bold, audacious move. As they began to sing and praise, God set ambushes for their enemies, and their enemies were defeated. Worship opens the door for God’s delivering power to flow into our desperation. Worship is our means of spiritual victory.
Just as God promised, the battle belonged to Him and He won the victory on behalf of Judah. Praise is sure evidence of your faith. When one really believes the words and promises of God, they cannot but help to praise Him.
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father thank you for fighting the battles that are bigger than me. Lord, thank you for the promise of deliverance when my worldly vision sees defeat. Thank you for victory when the enemy tells me I’m crushed. Give me supernatural strength to grow stronger in my faith in you through the big battles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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