“Thus says the Lord to you: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15b
Have you ever been in a place in life where a great multitude is coming against you? The enemy is coming in like a flood and life is lifeing? Times of colossal distress where one thing is happening after the other? I'm sure you can reflect on times like these or maybe this is your reality right now.
If so I encourage you with the word of the Lord, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude of problems, struggles, anxieties, trials, uncertainties, for the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s.
Come with me to the book of 2 Chronicles chapter 20. Here we find the story of King Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah and he was faced with a multitude of enemies coming against him. His kingdom was in distress because of a planned ambush by their enemies the Moabites, Ammonites, and others.
God in His faithfulness and providence gave Jehoshaphat the heads up on the impending war ahead. He sent messengers to Jehoshaphat to warn him that a vast army was coming against him from the Dead Sea.
For Jehoshaphat, it would be an impending fight against a vast natural army, but the war would be won in the spirit.
Our fight is not against flesh and blood enemies either but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We take heart that Jesus is far above all principality, power, might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world but also that is which to come!
God was with Jehoshaphat and his people and He is with us too. Believe me, I know it can be difficult. There are times that we will be moved but we must know that God will keep us from falling.
One thing for sure is that when the battle is the Lord’s victory is certain. Let’s look at how Jehoshaphat and his people's victory was won.
He desperately sought God and even took it up a notch and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. When going through various trials we must seek the Lord in prayer, rely on God's authoritative and infallible Word and be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading for direction and guidance.
For Jehoshaphat, when the nation was faced with disaster he called upon the people and designated a fast.
In those times when we don't know what to do, we have the blessing of being able to go to the One who does.
Keep Your Eyes On God
Jehoshaphat cried out to God, “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Sometimes we don’t know what to do but we must keep God as the object of our faith. Know for sure that if God is for you, who can be against you? Like who? With God on your side you consider it as good as done!
Believe God
After the people prayed and sought God, in true God fashion He answered! The Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men and God answered and gave them specific instructions for battle and when they got the word of the Lord they believed it! They believed God to hear, save and rescue them!
Position Yourself
Hear the word of the Lord, “You will not need to fight this battle. Position yourself, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
When in a difficult place in life it is imperative that we position ourselves in Christ. We cannot fight in our own strength. We must rely solely on God’s perfect strength and sufficient grace to pull us through.
God then tells the people to stand still. Standing still is a posture of trust. Rest. Faith in God to be true to His character and you will not be greatly moved because you know Emmanuel is you. You will not be shaken because Jehovah Nissi, the Lord your Banner, your victory is fighting for you!
You don't fear or feel doubtful or anxious by what things look like because Holy Spirit is in you. You are still, firmly anchored in God's Word, planted in His promises and abiding in the True Vine. We look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith who has won the victory on the Cross of Calvary.
It may look like the enemy is winning but keep your position of faith, obedience, and stillness, and watch and see the salvation of the Lord!
Worship and Praise the Lord
Jehoshaphat and all Judah worshiped and bowed before the Lord. They praised God with a loud shout as they went out before the army. (v21)
When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people who came against them. They sang and praised the Lord before the battle was won! Now that's a response of faith. Praising before the breakthrough! Because you know with God fighting for you, you will break through!
It was a celebration before the triumph. We should take heed to do the same. Giving thanks and praise for a promise not yet performed is absolute faith with assurance that God will perform His Word.
While they were praising God was raising a standard against their enemies and caused them to turn against and destroy one another.
After the battle was over Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil that they found among their defeated foes. Which included an abundance of valuables such as precious jewels, equipment, and other valuables, more than they could carry. So much so that it took three days to gather it all! Look at our God!
The people praised and thanked the Lord at what would now be named the Valley of Blessing.
Rejoice and Rest
The people of Judah went back to Jerusalem with rejoicing! The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet and God gave Him rest all around. There was a calm after the "storm". The Lord of Heaven's Armies is faithful.
I encourage you today as we are now in our third week of our fast to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)
God is with you and no matter what it looks like believe the report of the Lord. His report overrides any news report, doctor’s report, lawyer’s report, financial report, or the enemy's lying reports.
We can know without a doubt that when the enemy comes in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against Him. (Isaiah 59:19)
Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner) guarantees the victory. Be strong, courageous, patient, faithful, garner hearts of glorious praise and may God give you rest all around....
*Prayer Focus: As Jehoshaphat and the people prayed, fasted and sought the Lord for direction, safety, and protection for their nation let's lift up our nation in this critical moment in earnest intercession.
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© Prayer Matters Ministries
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