It’s a very human thing to do, to try to fight our own battles, but what if God wants to fight them for us? What if our battles are a proving ground for our trust in Him?
“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)
When something goes wrong, most of us immediately look to see how we can fix it. And if we feel attacked or wronged, we want to defend ourselves.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of an attack where you felt like the underdog? Where it seemed you were being ganged up on?
No one likes that feeling, or one of weakness. The verse we’re looking at today was all about feeling ganged up on as King Jehoshaphat called on the Lord when a huge army was ready to attack Judah. And Judah was not likely to win that battle.
But instead of trying to work through it on his own, the king called on the people of Judah to fast as he prayed to God. Because this battle was too big for him, but he knew it was not too big for God.
The Battle belongs to the Lord
In response, God sent the Holy Spirit to talk through a prophet:
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
The king’s prayers were answered. He didn’t need to win the battle. Because it wasn’t his to win. By trusting in God, Judah won the battle without even fighting.
How did it end? The people of Judah sang praises to God, and as they did, He sent ambushes among the enemy army. They turned on each other until they were all destroyed.
Now I know that you and I are not fighting battles that involve armies these days. But we are still fighting battles of a different kind. And we can learn a lot from Judah’s people and king.
Today’s battles may be with addiction, idolatry, pride, and envy. We might be fighting to control our anger, to love our neighbor, or to break away from unhealthy lifestyles. We may be battling a sin nature that seems as big as any army.
Don’t fight these battles alone. Trust them to God who is bigger than any enemy we might be facing. Offer your troubles to God. Sing His praises. And then entrust the battle to Him.
When it comes to battles, trusting God is our secret weapon.
Have a blessed day!
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