The Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to fight against Jehoshaphat. He was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord. He stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem and said, “Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You. Then, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel, and he said, “Listen carefully. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Yahweh is with you.'” Selected verses from 2 Chronicles 20:1-17
My words…
Praise
You never stop battling. The Enemy never stops attacking. You battle because You have been sought out by someone in trouble, someone who knows of Your power and might. At first thought, I think: What a troubling existence. Constant battles. No peace. But on second thought, I believe I am missing the truth. Perhaps it is Your joy that rings across the battlefield. You say, “This is my battle, not yours.” And You are overjoyed when Your children say, “Fight for me!” and stand back and watch Your salvation. I wonder what a joyful battle sounds like!
Prayer for me
I was attacked last week, and I didn’t recognize the Enemy for the first few days. I wallowed in self pity and confusion over my life’s circumstances. I didn’t feel as if I were on a battlefield. It felt more like a boxing ring. Satan had me up against the ropes while I tried to lace up my gloves. I don’t even know how to box. Then, from deep within my soul, I heard You say, “This is my fight.” I scrambled from the ring and took a seat in the spectator section. I’m very good at spectating. But I am troubled that it took me so long to hear You. I could have saved myself some bludgeoning if my spirit had been more in tune with Yours. I know we’ll continue to work on that together.
Forgive me
When Jehoshaphat was under attack and afraid, he resolved to seek You and call on You for deliverance. He didn’t wallow. He didn’t pace with his head in his hands. He knew what to do and he did it. Forgive me for wasting time and tears by not emulating him.
Prayer for others
Lord, there is someone I love who is being bludgeoned by the Enemy as I write this. I don’t believe he is aware. He is burdened with grief, guilt, desperation, and weariness. I pray he will recognize his enemy and call on You to fight for him.
Thank You
How do I thank You for taking me out of the ring and, with joy, sending my Enemy fleeing? Perhaps if I were the most eloquent writer to ever exist, I could pen something to adequately express my gratitude. But I doubt it.
More praise
There are no more comforting words than “Yahweh is with you” – four words powerful enough to chase away my fear and despair. I celebrate a victory I didn’t fight or earn. And that’s how it goes with a God who loves me.
