A Weapon That Conquers
Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. As Jehoshaphat discovered, praise is a powerful weapon. After receiving the report that a "vast army" was coming against him, Jehoshaphat did not immediately jump to military action but "resolved to inquire of the Lord" (vs. 3, NIV). As the people of Judah came to Jerusalem for a fast, Jehoshaphat admitted the reality of the situation, saying that " 'we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you' " (vs. 12, NIV).
When you see a "vast army" approaching, what is your instinctive reaction? From Jehoshaphat's response in verses 3-12, what can you learn about dealing with overwhelming opposition?
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As the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, he boldly announced: " ' "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you" ' " (vs. 17, NIV). After that, they worshiped God and sang praises to Him "with very loud voice" (vs. 19, NIV). Even though God was going to fight for them, they still had to go out to face the enemy.
But this was no ordinary march to war. Jehoshaphat appointed a choir to sing praises to the Lord as they marched out. "As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated" (vs. 22, NIV). According to the author, God intervened at the very moment they exercised their faith in His promise, as they began to "praise him for the splendor of his holiness" (vs. 21, NIV).
Read through the texts for today again. What spiritual principles can you find there that can be applied to your own walk with God, especially in times of trial and stress?
1 comment:
The tendency is fight with my own strength. I'm learning more to consult with God laying the situation before Him. I realize I have no power on my own to fight the battle, for it's the Lord and not my own. Some spiritual principles derived from 2 Chronicles 20:1-30: 1) pray to God laying situation before Him asking for guidance and strength; 2) face the situation or battle ready for God to fight for me; 3) actively praise God while in battle and 4) After God destroys the enemy, give Him all the praise for the victory. Halleluia!
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