I love, love, LOVE the powerful truths from this story out of 2 Chronicles 20. God brought this passage clearly to mind this week in relation to a new friend's situation that from all outward appearances, seems impossible. (Good thing nothing is impossible with Him!)
So, in a nutshell the story goes like this. Jehoshaphat gets news that a huge army is coming against his people, like.... on their way, a disaster in the making, run for your lives kinda thing!
I am amazed and challenged at his first response to this news....
he resolved to inquire of the Lord. I know for me when I am faced with a difficult situation, my first resolve may be to inquire of my own understanding....to figure it out by myself. Then, I may inquire of a friend's understanding...to ask them to help me to figure it out. Don't get me wrong....God gives us wisdom and He does use friends to speak truth. But, the first place we should turn to is Him.
Next, Jehoshaphat declared out loud for all to hear this prayer, "You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you!
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you!"
Ever been there? Are you there today? Lord, we don't have a clue how to solve this problem. To climb this mountain. To heal this hurt. To mend this relationship. To fight this battle. To help this child. To be set free. To find relief from this pain. To find joy again. To have hope... but our eyes are upon you, Lord.
Sometimes it is in the humblest and simplest of requests that the gates of grace and mercy open up and reign down on our need.
Okay, so now is when this story gets good. really good. As they prepare for the battle, they are reminding themselves and speaking out TRUTH. Not the truth of their reality and circumstances, but the TRUTH of who He is in the midst of their moment.
Things like, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. The battle is not yours, but God's. Do NOT be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld."
I know that sometimes our greatest battle is the one that goes on in our hearts and minds. Battling back and forth between what His Word says is true and what our hearts really believe is true based on the old ruts of our unhealthy thinking. Unfortunately for me, there are days when my own fear wins the battle. I look at my self and my circumstances and choose to believe my story..the one I've told myself a million times.....about who I am, my circumstances, my limitations, my fears etc.
But, God wants me to speak out and believe His story....the one He is writing about me. The way that He sees me, my strengths, my weaknesses that He will use, the purpose for my life, His unfailing love, kindnesses and mercies new every morning. That He is a God who sees and promises to show up, give grace and wisdom and help in time of need!
So, here's the amazing conclusion to Jehoshaphat's battle. He appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out ahead of the army....giving thanks to the Lord as they marched. Choosing to believe He would show up for them in might and power.
And as they began to sing and praise....THE LORD SET AMBUSHES against the enemy. Did you read that??? The Lord took their praise and worship and used it against the enemy's purpose. They didn't fight, or struggle, or wrestle for the victory...
the praises brought the deliverance. Our praise and shouts of WHO HE IS...can be used to defeat the enemy's attempt to discourage and overwhelm us with whatever we are facing.
Listen, I've seen and heard way too many things lately that confirm we are all in some kind of battle. Yours may look different than mine...but the battle is just as intense. Some of you may be at the place today of saying, "Honestly, Lord, we have no idea what to do next. It's pretty much hopeless, Lord, if you don't show up!"
My encouragement to your heart....Pull out your weapons! Speak to your own heart, speak it out loud to those around you about Who He is. His power. His ability. His strength and might and glory and power. Put on your praise music in your car, your home, your children's rooms and claim the victory over your circumstance!
Believe His story...that He can take things that are awful and use them for good. That He shows up for us in our weakest moments. That His Spirit is a salve that can mend much hurt. That our focus on Him can be the very thing that defeats the enemy's attack against us.
Set an ambush today against the things the enemy has used to bring discouragement, depression, fear, hopelessness, despair, pain and heartache by praising the One who was and is and is to come!
Sing His story, choose His truth, and sing it loud against your battle!! Then, rejoice and rest in knowing that the battle is not yours, it belongs to the Lord! Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged....have faith in the Lord, and you will be upheld.
