The Chic Creative

What do we do when we don’t know what to do?  How do we win the battles life throws us into?  

Success leaves clues and we find them in the story of King Jehoshaphat whose country is about to be attacked by foreign armies.  (2 Chron 20)

Alarmed, he “resolved to inquire of the Lord” (20:3) praying “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 upon You.” (20:12). 

Instead of focusing on circumstances he focused his attention on God seeking an answer and it came via a man named Jahaziel who said “Listen, King Jehoshaphat . .  this is what the Lord says to you.  Do not be afraid or discouraged for this vast army FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS BUT GOD’S.” (20:15) 

“You will not have to fight this battle, take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. . . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.” (20:17) 

“Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld . . . (20:20)

Within this story is our battle plan when we face hard choices, not sure where to turn, are discouraged, stuck, confused or frustrated, experience loss or are wounded by others.

Jehoshaphat realized his problems were too big for him but not for his God and neither are ours.

In faith he tells God “ . . . You will hear us and save us.”  (20:9) 

He cried out to God for help and God showed up reminding Jehoshaphat this battle wasn’t his but his Heavenly Father’s.

He then commanded Jehoshaphat to “take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you (20:17).  

God also told him to boldly “Go out to face them”because “the Lord will be with you.” (20:17).

God didn’t tell Jehoshaphat to deny or fear the circumstances but to face them reminding him he wasn’t alone in his fight and neither are we.  

God also didn’t make Jehoshaphat’s problems disappear but instead used them to show Jehoshaphat His power, His protection and His presence.  

So what “positions” were Jehoshaphat and his people to take? I believe it was Worship.  

Jehoshaphat “appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise him . . .  and they went out at the head of the army saying “Give thanks to the Lord for His love endures forever” (20:21).  

Instead of picking up their swords, these men fought with the weapon of worship. 

While they were worshiping, their God was fighting for them and “the Lord set ambushes against the men . . .  and they were defeated.” (20:22)

By trading their worry for worship and putting praise before the problem, God solved the problem and He will do the same for us.  

God fought and won while they worshipped and praised Him. 

By trading our worry for worship, we move our focus from the problem to the Problem Solver allowing Him to fight for us as He did for Jehoshaphat.  

I don’t know what battles you may be fighting today but I do know you aren’t alone and “this battle is not yours, but God’s.” (20:15).  

He sees, He knows and He cares.   He loves you unconditionally and will fight for you.  

And one more thing – after the worship came the blessings (20:24-25), joy (20:27) peace and rest. (20:30)

Sandra Hubbard