2 Chronicles 20:1-34 – – – [I ask that you read that lengthy passage later]

First, giving you virtually an entire chapter to read is probably a bit much for a devotional post. Still, I thought it necessary, and I will keep my remarks as brief as possible because the account itself is so descriptive of what I want to say.

Judah was facing what was likely “complete destruction” from a unified advancing army of multiple nations.  The people were “fearful,” and there was tremendous danger of “revolt” unless there was “clear” and “courageous” direction from their leader, King Jehoshaphat.  He was afraid and turned to the Lord, which was the right thing to do.  If something is causing fear, whether justifiable or not, the “first place to turn” is to the Lord!  He gathered the entire nation to a solemn assembly to seek God.  How I long to see America do the same!

I find verses 5-13 incredibly informative as Jehoshaphat addressed God, and his prayer reflected his fear and faith.  In some ways, it appeared that he was trying to convince himself that God was who he believed God to be.  He seemed a bit uncertain at the moment. 

Then, at his prayer’s conclusion, he makes a powerful and much-needed statement, “…we are powerless before this great multitude…. Nor do we know what to do… But OUR EYES ARE ON YOU.”   He got it!  That is the secret to the whole thing.  We find an acknowledgment of the situation, an admission of our inability to handle it, and an expression of hope and faith in God.

In verses 14-19, we find God responding to their honest, open prayer and promising deliverance and victory!  It is not just a promise to help them in battle but to do the battle for them, and there is a difference!  Sometimes, God allows us in the battle, and sometimes, He fights the battle for us and tells us, “You just stand there and watch.”  This is one of those times!

In verses 20-25, we see what took place.  I love Jehoshaphat’s declaration and instruction to the people found here.  “…put your trust in the LORD your God, and you will be established.  Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”  Let that get into your hearts; you will find a key to success if you receive it.  Then, he takes another step that is certainly not taught in “Schools of Military Tactics.” 

He put the choir or the praise team out in front of the army.  That took a great deal of courage and faith on their part.  They would be the first people the enemy encountered, and they would be “unarmed,” just singing the Praises of God! 

The incredible reality is that their only weapon would be the Praises of God in their mouths!  As they sang, God, not Judah, put ambushes against the advancing enemy army, and incredibly, they turned on each other.  Judah did not have to shoot an arrow, throw a spear, or wield a sword – GOD DID IT for them!  It took three days to gather the spoils of the battle.  That is a lot of booty to gather!

The result was a rekindled faith and commitment from Judah toward the Lord and a fear of God instilled in the enemies of the people of God.  Devils fear and tremble when the people of God obey God’s directive in humble obedience and faith! 

They were completely vulnerable and trusting, and God came on the scene.  He will do the same for you, so stop trying to figure it out and do it yourself.  Instead, “call upon Him” in honest, humble sincerity, and I will guarantee that He will respond.  He will guide you and even fight the battle for you, but He will give you the direction you need to go through the situation.

May God be with you as you go through this day in Him!  Blessings abundantly!