When we find ourselves in the thick of trouble, it may not always be easy to remember that every battle belongs to the Lord. He is our Advocate and our Redeemer. He stands in every gap to rescue and to save us.
Almost daily, I need to come back to this simple principle, reminding myself of God’s faithfulness to fight for not just me but all His sons and daughters. Before rising from my bed each morning, I deliberately turn my eyes toward Him, breathing in the confident assurance that with Him the future holds overcoming promise.
Within one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, we find the true story of a king winning an unwinnable battle. The “ites” had congregated and aggressively advanced against Israel. The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites came, waging war against Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. His first response to call a prayer meeting sets an example for us.
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.”
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
The best step to take when we see a battle ahead is to pray, pray, and never stop praying. Jehoshaphat worshiped God as much as he sought God’s answer to his problem. Whole families gathered to pray.
“All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord.”
2 Chronicles 20:13
Can you envision it? Babies in arm, toddlers, ruckus boys, giggly girls, aged grandparents, laborers, the rich and poor on their knees seeking the only one who could help them — worshiping despite the circumstances.
Let this little clip set the tone.
Assurance
Battles come unannounced and unexpected — often creating confusion and hiding any path of escape. Oh, how wonderful when a clear word of assurance comes from God either through His Word, the counsel of godly saints, or a divine whisper.
“…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
God unfurled His battle plan, giving the king a clear strategy on how to advance against the enemy. The king continued to worship. Then in a most unusual move, he appointed singers and musicians to lead the army into battle.
Praise paved the way to victory.
Wait! What? Musicians not warriors? Singers before brave kings? Exactly!
“…Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”
2 Chronicles 20:21
How unnerving to the enemy, when we look at the battle with unflinching eyes and praise God!
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
God would not refuse such simple trust and faith. At the beginning strands of the opening song, He completely ambushed the enemy! WOW!
“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.”
2 Chronicles 20:22
Lesson learned! Yes, we hold fast to the weapons of our warfare. Yes, we take a strong stand against the wickedness that surrounds us. Our greatest weapon, however, comes from knowing that every battle belongs to the Lord. When we know that we know … when faith replaces doubt … when we refuse to give fear a place … God shows up, He annihilates every enemy, throwing him into complete confusion.
The three opposing forces turned on each other until no one was left standing. Jehoshaphat and his warriors came only to gather the plunder.
“So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.”
2 Chronicles 20:25
Whatever the enemy tries to steal, God restores in such abundance we might struggle to carry the blessing. Do you believe it? Jehoshaphat did! Do you have faith for that great of a victory? The worshipers and the army did!
Albeit with trembling knees, yet we trust.
Victory and Peace
“The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”
2 Chronicles 20:29-30
Oh, dear brothers and sisters of faith, this is more than an ancient story of a king and kingdom long gone. This is a God-story — meant to inspire us and bring hope no matter what we may be facing today.
The source of the battle will never exceed the power of our God to overcome and carry us through to victory.
We don’t need to be trained musicians and soloists to praise our way to victory. The enemy trembles at the sound of our simplest praise; so, let praises flow. All the surrounding kingdoms in the heavenly realm will here of God’s victory. One day, we will stand in the place of His perfect peace.
**********