It starts with a King called Jehoshaphat (I know a mouthful, but he was an important guy). He was the King of Judah at one point; this was at a time where Israel and Judah had split into two different kingdoms. After many years of sin, King Jehoshaphat decided to put things right again. He went through Jerusalem encouraging God’s people to turn back to God, he appointed judges, Levites and some leaders of different towns to take care of any problems that should arise in the towns they led. He urged them to seek God’s wisdom before making judgement. It seemed like things were going well. Until…
The Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites decided to declare war on King Jehoshaphat! (These were nations that surrounded Judah). Obviously, King Jehoshaphat was shaken to the core. He had three enemy armies to contend with, how could he win such an impossible battle?
1. King Jehoshaphat acknowledged his feelings
‘Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news’ – 2 Chronicles 20:3
When faced with something that you feel is impossible to overcome it is okay to acknowledge your feelings whether it be sadness, worry, anxiety or stress. However, it is important not to stay in this place for very long and use these emotions to propel us to the next step.
2. King Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance.
‘… and begged the Lord for guidance’ – 2 Chronicles 20:3
3. He prayed – let’s dissect this a little further.
- He started his prayer with praise:
‘O Lord God of our ancestors you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 6-7
- He reminded God; and himself, of past victories, miracles and testimonies:
‘God did you not drive out those who lived in this land?’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 7
- He reminded God; and himself, of promises God had made:
‘Did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? You built this Temple to honour your name…When we are faced with any calamity…We can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honoured.’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 7-9
4. King Jehoshaphat showed faith even before God answered his prayers (based on God’s faithfulness).
‘We can cry out to you to save us and rescue us’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 9
5. He asked questions and expected a reply.
‘We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 12
6. He recognised his lack of human limitation and humbled himself.
‘We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 12
7. He asked God what he needed.
‘O God won’t you stop them? …We are looking to you for help’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 12
What was God’s response?
‘Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged…the battle is not yours, but God’s…You will not even need to fight…Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you.’ – 2 Chronicles 20: 15-17
How amazing is this?! Instead of fighting, King Jehoshaphat’s army collected up all the plunder left behind from the Ammonites, Meunites and Moabites.
This is just an example of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Whatever battle you are facing, God will see you through it, leave it all to Him and watch God’s goodness take over. Keep believing, keep standing strong in the Faith, you got this Girl!
