“Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV)
Do you feel overwhelmed with fear, not knowing what to do because the trials you are going through seem impossible to overcome? Fear not. Why? God hears and answers prayers. Seek Him with prayer; it is your greatest weapon.
In 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, we read about Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, who heard that a massive army was advancing towards his kingdom. It was an overwhelming situation. He had no idea how to respond; fear gripped him, placing him in a state of helplessness. But this helplessness caused Jehoshaphat to choose the most unconventional weapon of war: the weapon of prayer. He set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout his nation, Judah (Verse 3).
Psalm 34:4 (NKJV) says, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Jehoshaphat sought God through fasting and prayer since fasting intensifies prayer.
King Jehoshaphat’s prayer to the King of kings was based on the following:
- He recognised the sovereignty of God. He humbled himself, acknowledged God for who He is and sought His face.
- He recognised that God has power over all people and every situation. (Verse 6-7)
- He remembered that God had been faithful to His people in the past. (Verse 7-9)
- He knew that God’s people are helpless without Him. (Verse 12)
God’s promises are sure, friends. He promised to fight for His people, and He is not a man who should lie! (Numbers 23:19). With God’s active presence among His people, deliverance and victory are sure.
Sometimes, our situation may be one like Jehoshaphat’s, where the trial looks impossible to overcome (three armies against Judah), your back is against the wall, and your enemies surround you. Your first instinct may be to try to solve it yourself, but know today that the battle is the Lord’s. Set yourself to seek Him and wait to hear His voice as you pray.
Even as we battle in prayer, we must know that a very integral part of praying is our praise as we confront the enemy. Jehoshaphat and his people did not just go out against their enemies; they went out giving praise to Jehovah Gibbor (the Lord who is Mighty in Battle). All they had to do was position themselves and watch God fight their battle. Position yourself, stand still, and see the Lord fight your battle!
Fear not, handle the battle with prayer!
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your presence in my life. Thank You for being a God of Your word. Jesus, You promised never to leave or forsake us. Father, I place this trial into Your hands. Help me and speak to me in this trying time. I wait for Your instructions; fight for me and deliver me. I thank You for the victory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 23:4; 2 Chronicles 20:5-6
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 112; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-7; Isaiah 63; Isaiah 64; Isaiah 65:1-16