Recently I spoke to a church group from 2 Chronicles 20 where we read the account of King Jehoshaphat preparing for battle. Three nations were ganging up on Judah and their king was concerned to say the least. In verse 3 we’re told, “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord.” When we face uncertain situations and circumstances shouldn’t we follow the same path...determine to ask God what He would have us do? Later in the chapter, as Jehoshaphat is praying, he makes this confession: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” In other words, he was saying, “I don’t have a clue but my eyes are on you.” That’s how I often feel! Fortunately we have a sovereign God who knows the end from the beginning and He is faithful and true.
As we face the daily battles that challenge us, the instructions given to the nation of Judah are as applicable today as they were back then. Here’s the list of preparations followed by the promise of God:
- Do not be afraid or discouraged
- The battle is not yours, but God’s
- You will not have to fight this battle
- Take up your positions
- Stand firm
- See the deliverance the Lord will give to you
- Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged (repeated)
- Go out to face them tomorrow
- The Lord will be with you!
I’m grateful that the battle is God’s and we don’t have to fight for ourselves. May you sense His peace as you face uncertain situations today!
Thanks for this piece David. The words that jumped off of the page for me were, "The battle is not yours, but God’s", the realization of which is instantly comforting. And yet there are days I find I struggle with the other admonition to "Take up your positions". May God give us courage to be "the salt of the earth" as He commanded, and to allow Him to spread us around where He would have us fulfill His purposes best.
ReplyDeleteDJ