”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 20:15New International Version (NIV)
2 Chronicles 20:15 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
The Battle is God’s
2 Chronicles 20:15 states that the “Battle is God’s“. This can also be simply put as “the battle is not yours to fight”.
Therefore, “the battle is not yours” is a very important truth to remember especially when you are faced with any form of confrontation. Remember, confrontation is part and parcel of the lives that we live. In fact in Ephesians chapter 6 verses 11 to 12, Paul exhorts you and me to put on the full armor of God so that we can withstand the evil attacks.
Jehoshaphat’s predicament
Fortunately, Jehoshaphat was in such a predicament when he became king of Judah. The Chronicler recorded that he strengthened himself against Israel (2 Chronicles 17:1-2), emulated David’s ways so that God made him wealthy and honored (2 Chronicles 17:3-19), and allied himself with Ahab by marriage (2 Chronicles 18:1). And years later, Ahab asked him to go to war with him against Ramoth Gilead (2 Chronicles 18:2-3).
So Jehoshaphat agreed but on the condition that Ahab would seek God’s counsel (2 Chronicles 18:4). But the king of Israel sought counsel from 400 prophets, not prophets of the Lord God, who advised the king to go to war (2 Chronicles 18:5).
Therefore, Jehoshaphat insisted that they inquire from God’s prophet, which led to Ahab summoning prophet Micaiah (2 Chronicles 18:6-13). Prophet Micaiah told Ahab that his prophets had deceived him, leading to one of them slapping him, and the king locking him up (2 Chronicles 18:14-27).
Nevertheless, Jehoshaphat and Ahab went to war (2 Chronicles 18:28), and a bowman killed Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:29-34). And when Jehoshaphat returned home, Jehu informed him that he had attracted God’s wrath by joining Ahab (2 Chronicles 19:1-3).
A vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meumites
Consequently, when some people informed Jehoshaphat that the vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meumites were going to wage war against him, he resolved to inquire of God and proclaimed a fast for all Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1-4).
Then Jehoshaphat, before the assembly of the people at the temple, asked God to judge the attacking army since they didn’t have the power or knowledge of what to do with the same(2 Chronicles 20:5-13). God’s Spirit went upon Jehaziel, a Levite, and he informed the assembly that they didn’t have to be afraid or discouraged because the “battle was His, not theirs” (2 Chronicles 20:14-15).
Thereafter, he charged the king and the Judeans to march against the army the following day because they wouldn’t have to fight (2 Chronicles 20:16-17a). Instead, God delivered them since He was with them (2 Chronicles 20:17b-d). And Jehoshaphat and the Judeans worshipped God and some Levites praised Him (2 Chronicles 20:18-19).
The battle is God’s
Acknowledge that you don’t have the power and the knowledge to fight your enemy/enemies
Therefore, the battle is God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15), and the first thing is to acknowledge that you don’t have the power and the knowledge to fight your enemy/enemies (2 Chronicles 20:5-13). After all, the enemy will always look puffed up like the vast army that was going against Jehoshaphat or Goliath that was going against God’s people, to intimidate you.
Remember, Jehoshaphat got alarmed when some people informed him of the approaching army. Thereafter, he inquired of the Lord and proclaimed a fast.
Do this by running to God (to inquire of Him). And also humble yourself before Him. Remember, God exalts those who humble themselves before Him (James 4:10, Philippians 2:9-12, 1 Peter 5:6, Proverbs 29:23, and Matthew 23:12.).
Cast fear away
Consequently, the second thing is to cast fear away. In other words, you need to overcome the fear that the potential confrontation (spiritual) has created. Remember, fear is the opposite of faith. In addition, God did not give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
Despite being common, the fear of confrontation is rooted in the fear of rejection and/or failure. However, this can be overcome by preparing yourself to handle conflict. This may involve overcoming anxiety. It may also involve looking at conflict as an opportunity.
Don’t get discouraged
Thirdly, do not get discouraged when confronted. In other words, do not give in or up (lose hope), or become tired at the onset of a confrontation. Keep your courage up.
Let God deliver you
Finally, let God deliver you. That is, let God reveal Himself and His power in your situation. Remember, depending on God and God’s deliverance go hand-in-hand.
Therefore, allow God to take your place, which is His rightful place, and fight for you. Do this through prayer. God is faithful and He will not let you down. He wants to reveal His holiness, love, and power in your life.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, I worship You for Your immense power. There is none like You; You are a mighty warrior. I surrender all my struggles unto You. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezra 6-7 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
